Understanding how the Topeka Community Land Trust model differs from and complements other affordable housing approaches.
This comparison is not intended as a guide for donors to pick a specific charity. The Topeka Community Land Trust aims to have minimal overlap with existing initiatives and to complement them, particularly by providing a pathway for transitioning people to "missing middle housing" — affordable, quality homes for those who earn too much for traditional assistance.
The information on this page is intended to be accurate and neutral. If you notice any errors, please contact us and we will update the page promptly.
When houses in our neighborhoods become vacant, they often become targets for outside investors. The Community Land Trust model provides an alternative that prioritizes community stability and affordable homeownership.
Cornerstone has been serving the Topeka community since 1987, beginning with a short-term Transitional Housing Program and expanding in 1990 to provide permanent affordable housing. While both organizations aim to address housing needs, our approaches and target populations differ:
Our organizations serve complementary roles in Topeka's housing ecosystem. Cornerstone provides critical rental housing for very low-income families and individuals experiencing homelessness, while the Topeka Community Land Trust focuses on creating pathways to homeownership for moderate-income families who might otherwise be unable to purchase homes. Together, our organizations help address housing needs across a broader spectrum of income levels.
While we share many goals with Habitat for Humanity, our approaches differ in important ways:
We view our work as complementary to Habitat's efforts, addressing different segments of the affordable housing challenge in Topeka. While Habitat primarily serves families at or below 60% of the area median income, the Topeka Community Land Trust's broader income range (40% to 120% of AMI) helps fill the "missing middle" gap in affordable housing options.
CLT homes make an excellent "step up" for established Habitat homeowners. After 5-10 years in a Habitat home, families often build equity, improve their financial situation, and may need larger housing as their families grow. The Community Land Trust provides an ideal pathway for these families to leverage their equity while maintaining the benefits of affordable homeownership.
SENT Topeka is an intentional community focused on the Hi Crest area. While both our organizations work to improve Topeka neighborhoods, our approaches and focus areas differ significantly:
SENT Topeka's approach emphasizes building social capital through loving relationships within a specific neighborhood, creating a strong support network among residents and local organizations. The Topeka Community Land Trust, in contrast, has an explicit focus on equity and countering gentrification across multiple neighborhoods, using a structural approach to preserve affordability and prevent displacement. While SENT focuses on comprehensive community development, the Land Trust specifically addresses systemic housing inequities through permanently affordable homeownership. Both approaches play vital roles in creating stronger, more equitable communities in Topeka.
Topeka's Planning Commission has recently been discussing zoning law changes with the explicit goal of increasing the number of multiplexes. While increasing housing density can be beneficial in some contexts, these changes may have unintended consequences for established neighborhoods:
While the city's zoning initiatives aim to address housing supply through market-based mechanisms, they often fail to consider the long-term implications for community stability and affordability. When neighborhoods become more desirable through increased density and investment, without adequate protections, long-time residents—especially renters and those on fixed incomes—often face rising costs that force them to relocate.
The Topeka Community Land Trust believes that zoning changes can be beneficial when implemented with strong equity protections. We advocate for policies that include permanent affordability requirements, anti-displacement measures, and community benefits agreements to ensure that neighborhood improvements benefit existing residents rather than displacing them. Without these safeguards, well-intentioned density initiatives may accelerate gentrification rather than create truly inclusive communities.
Every family deserves the stability and dignity that comes with a safe, affordable home. Yet for too many in our community, this fundamental need remains out of reach.
The Topeka Community Land Trust stands at this critical intersection—not just providing houses, but creating homes that anchor families for generations.
While other vital organizations address immediate housing crises or serve specific populations, the Land Trust model offers something unique: a structural solution to the cycle of speculation and displacement that has historically undermined community stability and perpetuated inequality.
The Topeka Community Land Trust doesn't aim to replace other housing programs but to complement them as part of a comprehensive housing solution for our community. We seek to collaborate with: