Finding home sweet home isn’t always easy for low-income families, including those who live in North Dakota and Minnesota. That’s why Gate City Bank has partnered up with the Cass Clay Community Land Trust (CCCLT) to establish more affordable housing in Fargo-Moorhead and the surrounding area.
The Fargo-Moorhead area has experienced rapid population growth, which has led to increased housing demand and an affordable housing shortage. This has resulted in community leaders recognizing a need for the CCCLT.
Launched by the FM Area Foundation in 2020, the trust leverages public and private funds through strategic community partnerships that help by ultimately providing sustainable and affordable housing.
“Everyone deserves a place to call home,” says Kevin Hanson, Gate City Bank President & CEO. “This nonprofit partnership has been truly amazing, opening the door to long-term affordable housing solutions for families who need them most, all while creating a better way of life in our communities.”
The trust permanently owns the land, some of which was donated by the city, for an average cost of $50,000. The land is leased to the buyers, who are then able to purchase the home at a below-market cost, lowering monthly payments.
Knowing many hardworking people aren’t making enough money to qualify for purchasing a median-priced home, we gladly became a partner in the initiative, pledging a total of $50,000 over five years. We see this as an opportunity to create a better way of life by providing a viable, sustainable and long-term housing solution.
Jalyssa Sorenson, Vice President of Mortgage Operations, serves on the trust’s board of directors. She’s beyond excited to help program participants achieve the homeownership they’ve worked so hard for.
“I have seen so many people struggle to navigate the complexities of achieving homeownership in today’s housing market,” Sorenson says. “This is such a great way to help keep homes affordable.”
Organizers behind the CCCLT ensure each twin home features three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms and a slab-on-grade. To qualify, eligible homeowners must be at least 18 years old, U.S. citizens and be at or below the 80% area median income (AMI) for their household. They can start by filling out the CCCLT application.
American veterans have sacrificed so much for the sake of our freedom – and they deserve to be honored. Learn how Gate City Bank recognized these brave patriots by donating $50,000 toward the construction of Veterans Memorial Park in Grand Forks, ND.
Our beloved senior citizens have played a crucial role in making us who we are today. Learn more about how we’re offering them extra support, especially when it comes to preventing elder abuse in assisted living homes within our communities.
Learn more about how our team members have donated $30,000 and countless volunteer hours to help bring new life to a Minot animal shelter, which provides much-needed care for furry little friends, both locally and throughout North Dakota.
Learn more about how we donated $10,000 so that an annual nonprofit fashion show (which has become incredibly popular in the local community) could continue virtually amid the COVID-19 pandemic.