Scaling Housing Supply through Habitat for Humanity-CLT Partnerships

Webinar Description

The second webinar in the Lasting Affordability Webinar Series by Habitat for Humanity International will explore strategies for building strong, sustainable partnerships with Community Land Trusts (CLTs) to advance lasting affordability and housing preservation.  

Drawing on lessons from Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity’s collaborations with Homes Within Reach, other CLT partners, and the broader coalition building work with the Minnesota Statewide CLT Coalition, we’ll examine key challenges: such as funding-driven participation, buyback limitations, the evolution of resale formula, and highlight successful approaches for scaling CLTs at a state level. Speakers from the Minnesota CLT Coalition, Homes Within Reach, and Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity will share insights on partnerships with CLTs and Habitat affiliates, policy influence, and their coalition-building work. 

Designed for Habitat affiliates, CLT partners, statewide coalitions, housing advocates, and policymakers, participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to engage CLTs, navigate funding ecosystems, and foster partnerships rooted in trust, flexibility, and long-term community impact.

Speakers and Panelists

Assan Sosseh, Lasting Affordability Program Manager, Habitat for Humanity International

ASSAN SOSSEH is a seasoned affordable housing professional currently serving as the Lasting Affordability Program Manager at Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI). In this role, he leads initiatives aimed at increasing the adoption of lasting affordability homeownership models within the Habitat network. These models include strategies such as community land trusts, ground leases, and long-term deed restrictions, all designed to ensure that homes remain affordable for future generations.

Ben Post, VP, Strategy and Impact, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity

BEN POST joined Twin Cities Habitat in 2018. Ben leads the Strategy team which is responsible for managing the organization’s strategic plan. Ben’s team also implements new, strategic initiatives designed to improve and increase Twin Cities Habitat’s impact. Ben earned his Bachelor’s degree from Bethel University and has worked in affordable housing for more than 20 years. His experience includes multi-family rental, ownership, lasting affordability and shared equity models, program delivery, and management.

Brenda Lano-Wolke, Executive Director, Homes Within Reach

BRENDA LANO-WOLKE is the Executive Director for Homes Within Reach.

Jeff Washbourne, Administrator, Minnesota Community Land Trust Coalition

JEFF WASHBOURNE is a Partner with Burlington Associates and is working with or has worked with over 50 community land trusts nationally. He transitioned away from the City of Lakes Community Land Trust (CLCLT) in 2023 after serving as the Director since its incorporation in November of 2002. Over the 20+ year tenure with the CLCLT the organization was able to assist over 490 low-income homeowners into the Community Land Trust homeownership with over 375 homes in trust. Through his tenure, the CLCLT grew to become the largest ownership Community Land Trust in MN and the 3^rd largest nationally, creatively using the Community Land Trust in many groundbreaking ways. Over time, the CLCLT created and spun off a Commercial Land Trust, an Agricultural Land Trust and is currently working with partner organizations to establish the first African American Community Land Trust in the Twin Cities. 

Prior to joining the CLCLT, he worked at Twin Cities Neighborhood Housing Services from 1997 – 2000 and 2001 – 2002, serving as the Executive Director the latter two years. Prior to his nonprofit housing experience, Jeff worked as a construction supervisor/trainer for a residential construction firm in South Korea, a YMCA Program Manager in New Mexico, and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Honduras. He holds an M.A. in Public Administration from Hamline University and a B.A. in Psychology from DePauw University. He’s gained certificates from the Harvard Kennedy School/NeighborWorks America Achieving Excellence and the Bank of America Neighborhood Builder Leadership Programs. Over the past 25 years in Minneapolis, he has served on dozens of nonprofit boards in the community. He has lived in Minneapolis since 1997.

For work in Minnesota where Jeff had pre-existing relationships, he utilizes his own consulting LLC, Everlong Consulting. In this capacity he serves as the contract administrator for the MN CLT Coalition, supporting the 14 community land trusts in Minnesota with advocacy, policy, technical assistance, fundraising, and coalition building.

John Emmeus Davis, Board Member, Editor-in-Chief, International Center for CLTs; Terra Nostra Press

JOHN EMMEUS DAVIS is a city planner who has spent much of his 40-year career providing technical assistance to CLTs and documenting their history and performance. He coauthored the Lincoln Institute’s 2008 publication The City-CLT Partnership. He previously served as housing director in Burlington, Vermont, and was dean of the National CLT Academy. He is a partner at Burlington Associates in Community Development LLC, a national consulting cooperative. He is a founding board member of the International Center for CLTs and editor in chief of the center’s imprint, Terra Nostra Press.