The Carroll Park debut and expanded grant funding for community developers signal growing momentum for the city’s first land trust.
(Fort Worth) —The Fort Worth Community Land Trust (FWCLT) is marking two major milestones in its mission to create long-term affordable homeownership in Fort Worth—celebrating its first land trust homeowner and advancing the first phase of Carroll Park, now on the market. The FWCLT is also expanding future opportunities for individual developers and homebuyers with a $1.1 million investment from JPMorganChase.
Ashley Guinn, a single mother and banking professional, recently purchased a home in Fort Worth’s Morningside neighborhood through the FWCLT model. The home was developed by Housing Channel and made possible through a combination of permanently affordable pricing and down payment assistance from the City of Forth Worth Homebuyer Assistance Program.
“For families who are living paycheck to paycheck but trying their best to succeed, sometimes all it takes is a little push to make a difference,” said Guinn. “The Fort Worth Community Land Trust program opens doors and helps break the generational curse of not owning a home or having anything to leave your kids.”
“Ashley’s attainment is about more than a single home purchase,” said Becky Bass, executive director of the Fort Worth Community Land Trust. “Her experience shows what’s possible with the land trust model. Our collaboration is focused on creating many more stories like hers — for families across Fort Worth who are ready for homeownership but need attractive, achievable opportunities.”
Community land trusts purchase and retain ownership of land while residents purchase the homes built on that land. By removing the cost of land from the purchase price, the model keeps homes more affordable while allowing homeowners to build equity. They also provide ongoing homeowner support, including education and foreclosure prevention to help families succeed long after closing.
Now available: Carroll Park Phase One
Earlier this year, the FWCLT launched the first phase of Carroll Park, an innovative community of newly rehabilitated, two-bedroom homes designed for moderate-income families. Homes are available to households earning between 60 and 120 percent of area median income, with additional down payment assistance available from the City of Fort Worth for qualifying buyers.
When complete, Carroll Park will include more than 200 permanently affordable homes in a walkable, thoughtfully designed community in South Fort Worth. The 15-acre planned community was made possible by the Rainwater Charitable Foundation, the funder of FWCLT’s originating grant; the City of Fort Worth Housing Finance Corporation, which purchased the land from the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; and Housing Channel, a Fort Worth-based nonprofit serving as project developer.
“Affordable homeownership is critical to Fort Worth’s future,” said Donna VanNess, president of Housing Channel. “Carroll Park represents the kind of innovative partnership our city needs — one that brings together thoughtful, inclusive development, down payment assistance for working families, long-term affordability protections, and strong collaboration supported by partners like JPMorgan Chase. When we bring those elements together, everyone benefits.”
Now Expanding: JPMorganChase Philanthropic Support for Community-Based Developers
In addition to Carroll Park, JPMorganChase’s $1.1 million in philanthropic funding will support community-based builders and nonprofit developers engaged in infill housing development, which involves rebuilding or rehabilitating deteriorated housing stock. By equipping smaller community-based developers, the initiative provides technical assistance and land acquisition support to increase the supply of attainable homes across Fort Worth’s established neighborhoods.
“Fort Worth is growing fast, and if we’re not intentional, homeownership can quickly move out of reach for the very people who make this city what it is,” said J.T. Aughinbaugh, Vice Chair of JPMorganChase’s Market Leadership Team in North Texas. “What’s exciting about this work is that it’s not just building homes – it’s creating real opportunities for families to stay, invest and build a future here in Fort Worth.”
For families like homeowner Ashley Guinn’s, that impact is already becoming reality. Despite having a background in mortgages and knowledge of the homebuying process, she had struggled to find a home that fit her budget.
“The guidance and support provided by the FWCLT and Housing Channel, as well as my realtor, Rebecca Castro, were critical throughout the process as they offered assistance every step of the way,” said Guinn. “The FWCLT is passionate about helping people achieve homeownership. Housing Channel homebuyer classes were very helpful. All new homebuyers should take them to learn more about the homebuying process and available resources like down payment assistance.”
Closing day was a milestone for both the FWCLT and for Guinn. “I’m the first homeowner in my family, so it was a proud and emotional moment,” said Guinn. “My kids love the house and were very excited. I Facetimed with my sister so she could watch me sign.”
“Ashley is just one homeowner, but she represents what is possible for many more families,” said FWCLT’s Bass. “With Carroll Park coming online and new partnerships with community-based developers, we are creating pathways to homeownership that can change the stories for families across Fort Worth.”
Community Developers Program Launch – May 19
The FWCLT will host a public launch event for its Community Developers Program on Tuesday, May 19 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Amon Carter Center at Lena Pope.
The event will bring together city leaders, housing partners and community stakeholders to highlight new strategies for expanding affordable housing and supporting local, community-based developers. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the Carroll Park model home following the program.
