Community Catalysts Announces Livingston County's Newest Attainable Single Family Home Program: Bethel Homes, Powered by Lake Trust

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 17, 2026

HOWELL, MI — Community Catalysts, a Livingston County housing nonprofit, today announced the
launch of Bethel Homes, Powered by Lake Trust — Livingston County's newest attainable singlefamily home program.

Bethel Homes will build two different home types: a two-story 3 bedroom/1.5 bath home, and a ranchstyle 2 bedroom/1.5 bath home. The homes will range in size from 960-1232 square feet, and both styles
will have a full basement. At a price point of $250,000, these homes will be reserved for individuals and
families who currently live or work in Livingston County and earn less than 60% of the area median
income.

This landmark project will launch with four new single-family homes constructed on Burkhart Road in
Howell Township, offering a permanent, affordable path to homeownership for income-qualifying
residents.

Construction of the first four homes is slated to start in October of this year, with homes ready for
occupancy in mid-2027. The homebuyer application portal will open on September 30.

How Can a Newly-Constructed Home Be Sold for $250,000?

As a local nonprofit, Community Catalysts is committed to helping lower-income people in our county
move into quality housing that they can afford. Through many partnerships, including with our sister
nonprofit, Community Catalysts Development Company; our builder, Norfolk Homes; and partnerships
with foundations and philanthropic funders, we can sell these homes for about $100,000 less than it
costs to build them. Down payment assistance will also be available to homebuyers, which will further
reduce the net price of each home.

In addition, Livingston County’s first Community Land Trust (CLT) is being formed to keep all Bethel
Homes perpetually affordable for generations to come.

What Is a Community Land Trust?

A community land trust is a housing model in which a nonprofit owns the land and makes the homes on
that land available to eligible buyers at below-market prices. What makes a CLT distinct is what
happens when a homeowner is ready to sell: rather than the home returning to market-rate pricing, a
shared-equity agreement keeps it affordable for the next buyer — and the one after that — in perpetuity.

A First for Livingston County

Bethel Homes is Livingston County’s first community land trust. For the many residents who earn too
much to qualify for traditional subsidized housing but too little to afford market-rate homeownership,
there has been no middle path — until now.

"Our goal in creating a CLT in Livingston County is to provide an opportunity for homeownership to
people who live or work here and who would not otherwise be able to own their own home," said
Eileen Zilch, CEO of Community Catalysts. "Bethel Homes, powered by Lake Trust, is how we
begin to permanently change that story."

Powered by Lake Trust

Bethel Homes is made possible through a partnership with Lake Trust Credit Union, a local
financial institution whose support is foundational to bringing this first-of-its-kind project to life in
Livingston County.

"At Lake Trust, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, and that begins with having a
safe, stable place to call home. Bethel Homes represents the kind of innovative, community-driven
solution that can create lasting change for individuals and families across Livingston County. We are
proud to partner with Community Catalysts to help bring this vision to life and expand access to
affordable housing while strengthening the financial well-being of our communities." David Snodgrass,
President & CEO, Lake Trust

Apply — and Spread the Word

The application portal for the first four Bethel Homes properties will open on September 30, 2026.
Applications will be accepted at www.community-catalysts.com/bethelhomes.
Applicants should be aware that Bethel Homes will consider applicants on a first-come, firstserved basis. With only four homes available in this inaugural development, timing matters, and we
strongly encourage eligible individuals and families to apply as early as possible.

Know someone who might qualify? Please share this opportunity. Bethel Homes exists to open doors
for people who have never had the opportunity for homeownership where they live or work – until now.
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About Community Catalysts

Community Catalysts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing more attainable housing to
Livingston County, Michigan. Community Catalysts leads the county-wide housing initiative, Housing
Catalysts, whose goal is to facilitate the development of more housing that people can afford. Bethel
Homes, powered by Lake Trust, launches the County’s first community land trust — a permanent,
community-rooted path to attainable homeownership in Livingston County. To learn more or get
involved, visit www.community-catalysts.org.

Media Contact
Eileen Zilch, CEO
231-679-1258
ezilch@community-catalysts.org