Learn more about the work we do below. Our work spans the use of land as a resource for many purposes, from wealth generation and environmental protection to local food systems and entrepreneurship.
Affordable Housing
Through the community land trust model, we improve the supply of permanently affordable housing. We believe in the importance of high quality, environmentally friendly housing that meets the community’s needs. We believe that land is a community resource that must be stewarded for the benefit of all, especially for those who have historically lacked access to it and for future generations.
Land Conservation
We work with landowners to protect ecologically rich terrain, working farmland, and scenic areas in Georgia. Protecting natural areas sustains clean air and water, wildlife habitat, biodiversity, water supply and productive soils. We believe that by preserving land, we are improving the quality of life for everyone now and for future generations.
Community Agriculture
We collaborate in developing a sustainable local food system in some of Athens’ most food insecure areas, strengthening the local economy and promoting unity and wellness at the neighborhood level. We believe in a local food system that addresses the needs of food security, economic opportunity, and food justice – the right for communities to grow, harvest, consume, and sell healthy, culturally appropriate food for their own benefit.
Education & Empowerment
We provide various education resources and partnerships, helping community members build assets to increase economic opportunity across Athens-Clarke County.
Youth Development
We provide youth job training and education programs, integrating hands-on learning with community involvement, developing young leaders in the local community. We believe in creating spaces where relationships, education, training, and empowerment happen. Everyone has something to share and to learn from everyone else. We believe in the power of intergenerational relationships and that the exchange of information should flow both ways between generations. We invest in the WHOLE person – teaching skills, and increasing access to resources, avenues to succeed in their goals
Housing Counseling
Athens Land Trust is a HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency and provides affordable group education and one-on-one counseling to Athens-Clarke County residents and residents of Barrow, Oglethorpe, Walton, Oconee, Jackson, Elbert and Madison Counties. Our HUD-Certified Housing Counselors offer Group Housing Counseling services that cover a variety of topics, from Pre-purchase, Post-purchase Education Workshops, Budget & Credit Workshops, Financial Management Workshops, and our Homebuyer Education courses for those seeking to become first-time homeowners in the state of Georgia.
Neighborhood Sustainability
We support and facilitate healthy, functioning neighborhoods, building the foundation for empowered, vibrant communities. We believe revitalization done well creates positive impact in the communities we serve. Athens Land Trust is committed to the revitalization of the Hancock Neighborhood for the preservation of cultural heritage and traditional land use.