Most housing co-operatives are incorporated as non-profits which means that they cannot distribute their assets to members. Before the Land Trust was formed, there was no way to ensure that a co-op would remain non-profit after the mortgage was re-paid (and any agreements with government expired). Now, by joining the Land Trust, co-ops can pool their considerable real estate assets to expand affordable housing on a self-sustaining basis.

Members of the Land Trust commit to a strategy of providing affordable housing to people with low and moderate incomes and those with special needs. Within the Land Trust, co-ops continue to manage their property and meet the housing needs of their members. The difference is that land held in trust for affordable housing will be protected for this purpose in perpetuity.

Through the Land Trust, housing co-op members can also take part in collective action. The assets in the Trust can be used to support housing co-ops whose sites are no longer suitable for housing or whose buildings face major maintenance problems.

This powerful initiative to gain community control over affordable housing is especially relevant at a time when government programs have been severely reduced or eliminated. The Community Housing Land Trust Foundation represents community self-reliance and co-operation at its best.