Read more about KulshanCLT's new homes here.

That was the consensus from guests we talked to after listening to Dale Mikkelson's Leadership Luncheon presentation on May 2. Dale,  Director of Planning and Sustainability of SFU Community Trust at Simon Fraser University, shared his work in sustainable neighborhood development at UniverCity, particularly its success in creating diverse, affordable housing options. UniverCity's model assures it homebuyers cutting-edge, energy-efficient, infill homes while providing maximum flexibility and innovation for builders and developers.

We at KulshanCLT agree and are inspired by Dale's example. We're working with private, public and nonprofit sector leaders to realize our shared vision of sustainable, affordable homes to last for generations of homeowners.

UniverCity's April newsletter features an interview with Dale to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the opening of what may be "the greenest child care center on the planet." Read the full interview here.

Have you thought about making a local investment that provides you with a financial return, leverages community assets AND helps KulshanCLT homeowners improve the energy efficiency and comfort of home?

As a start, the Housing Reserve Fund will blend community investor funds with FDIC-insured matching funds through Industrial Credit Union to create a pooled investment fund for KulshanCLT homeowners to borrow at low rates to make energy efficient home improvements. Long term - and with your participation - the Housing Reserve Fund will fund KulshanCLT homeowner mortgages.

Several community members joined us in April at Brandywine Kitchen to learn more, and we will be hosting subsequent meetings with interested investors as the Housing Reserve Fund takes shape. All community members are invited to join us to learn more, ask questions, and be part of designing the fund so it fits investor needs as KulshanCLT continues to find innovative ways to grow a community everyone can afford.

Contact Jill Clark or call (360) 671-5600, ext 5 for more information.

The Cascade Joinery and KulshanCLT are pleased to announce that the Madrona Street Home has earned a LEED Platinum rating from the U.S. Green Building Council, the highest residential rating possible.

"We are thrilled with the LEED Platinum rating news," said Dean Fearing, Executive Director. "The Cascade Joinery's beautiful, compact, passive solar design, a smart-site urban infill lot, and KulshanCLT homeowners totally on board to make the most of the home's sustainable features combine to make this a model of affordability and energy efficiency for our community."

"Homeowners Matt and Jill Kaufman report that since they moved in March 2012, most months they generate more energy (through their solar PV system) than they consume. The Madrona Home could prove to be not only Bellingham's first Net Zero Energy home, but Bellingham's first permanently affordable Net Zero Energy home," said Dean.

The complete Madrona Home Guide shares details of the homes green and energy efficient features and features the project sponsors and partners. Download a copy of the guide here.

Maya Angelou, author and poet

The Hurley Nevitt family, pictured here, invite you to share the story of their journey to homeownership and to renew your KulshanCLT membership or join as a new member.

Every member gift starts one more family like the Hurley Nevitts on the road to homeownership. When combined with other member gifts, every $2,000 leverages $50,000 or more in community investment - enough to bring another property into the trust. You can do the math to see how every gift has a powerful impact on KulshanCLT's work.

We are launching our $15,000 spring membership goal. Your new gift or continued support will help KulshanCLT partner with at least 10 new homebuyers this year and bring at least 6 new properties into the trust.

Help us meet the $15,000 member challenge by making a pledge today,