Press Release

For Immediate Release

Canadian Communities Land Trust: Empowering Local Communities with Innovative Solutions for Affordable Housing and Social Impact

Toronto, ON – January 25, 2025 – The Canadian Communities Land Trust (CCLT) is proud to be leading a national movement that brings together local community organizations across Canada to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges, including affordable housing, mental health, education, and hunger. Built on the foundation of community-driven solutions and supported by passionate individuals and organizations, CCLT is pioneering a new model for social change, utilizing land donations to create long-term, sustainable impact.

A National Impact Rooted in Local Communities

CCLT is an organization like no other. We are a community-led, national initiative owned by our members—local community organizations who are directly serving your neighborhood. These organizations are the heart of your community, working tirelessly to meet local needs and make positive change. Together, through our unique land trust model, we are tackling critical issues such as affordable housing and access to public spaces, while giving power back to local communities to shape their futures.

At the core of CCLT’s model is our belief in the power of community ownership. Our members are your neighbors, and their work on the ground ensures that every project is aligned with the specific needs of each community. By working together, we create a shared vision for long-term solutions and impactful social change.

Efficient Operations with Maximum Impact

CCLT understands the importance of being good stewards of the resources entrusted to us. Our operations are efficient, with less than 5% of our budget spent on overhead. Almost all of our efforts are powered by professionals who volunteer their time, allowing us to direct as much of our funding as possible toward our mission. This operational efficiency ensures that every donation, partnership, and investment goes directly into building stronger, more resilient communities.

Donor-Focused, Community-Driven Solutions

At CCLT, we value the voices of our donors. Whether the priority is affordable housing, mental health support, the arts, or other critical social needs, we work closely with our donors to ensure that their contributions make a tangible difference. We then connect donors with local community partners who can put their donations to work in meaningful ways. This collaborative approach ensures that the work being done in communities is sustainable, impactful, and aligned with the priorities of all involved.

Locally Governed for Greater Impact

The strength of CCLT lies in our locally governed model. We are owned and governed by our members—community organizations that have a direct stake in the success of the initiatives we undertake. This ensures that our work is deeply embedded in the communities we serve. Local governance allows CCLT to be agile, responsive, and accountable, giving communities the power to create and shape solutions that are relevant to their unique needs.

Solutions-Driven for Lasting Change

CCLT’s mission is simple: to create long-term, sustainable solutions for pressing social issues. From addressing the housing crisis to ensuring access to green spaces and public services, we work to acquire and utilize community-owned capital to solve some of Canada’s most significant challenges. Our model is solutions-driven, focused on creating lasting social impact that benefits communities today and in the future.

A Founder’s Vision Rooted in Social and Environmental Innovation

The Canadian Communities Land Trust is the brainchild of Michael Jodah, whose vision is deeply rooted in his extensive experience in social and environmental innovation. Michael has a strong track record of creating organizations that make real-world change. He first honed his skills through his involvement with the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy (EBC), where he learned the importance of proactive land conservation from mentors such as Dan King and Bob Barnett. Michael’s forward-thinking approach has carried over to CCLT, where he is applying the same innovative principles to real estate for social purposes—securing property donations to meet critical community needs such as affordable housing and shelters.

Michael’s experience founding organizations like Regenesis and HOUSE Canada, both of which focus on sustainable, community-centered initiatives, has prepared him to lead CCLT in building a model that provides solutions to Canada’s growing need for affordable and supportive housing. His ability to collaborate with local organizations and stakeholders has already proven effective, and with the support of initiatives like the CMHC Demonstrations Initiative Program, CCLT is poised to expand its impact and further demonstrate the power of land trusts in solving Canada’s housing crisis.

Join Us in Creating a Better Future for All Canadians

The Canadian Communities Land Trust invites you to be a part of this exciting movement. Whether through donations, partnerships, or advocacy, your support can help make lasting change in your community and across the country. Together, we can create a future where everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive—be it affordable housing, green spaces, or vital social services.

For more information on how you can get involved with CCLT, please visit www.communitieslandtrust.com.

About Canadian Communities Land Trust

The Canadian Communities Land Trust is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering local communities through innovative land stewardship. By leveraging land donations, CCLT is addressing key social issues such as affordable housing, mental health, and hunger, while fostering community-driven solutions that have a lasting impact across Canada. Through efficient operations and local governance, CCLT is reshaping the way we think about land, property, and social change.

Contact:
[Name] [Title]
Canadian Communities Land Trust
1-888-526-7827
info@communitieslandtrust.com
https://www.communitieslandtrust.com

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