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BCLT Groundbreaking Marks New Affordable Homes in Bakersfield!






BCLT Groundbreaking Marks New Affordable Homes in Bakersfield!



Posted on August 28, 2025


On August 6, local leaders, housing advocates, and community members gathered at 346 S. Owens Street to celebrate a major milestone for affordable housing in Bakersfield. The Bakersfield Community Land Trust (BCLT), in partnership with the City of Bakersfield and Self-Help Enterprises (SHE), hosted a groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of construction on 14 new homes for first-time, low- and moderate-income buyers. 

“Everyone wants a safe, affordable place to call home,” said Karen Goh, Mayor of the City of Bakersfield. “Today’s groundbreaking marks a critical step towards realizing that vision in our community. The Bakersfield City Council’s formation of the Bakersfield Community Land Trust offers more residents a sustainable pathway to homeownership. It creates opportunities for families to build equity and generational wealth. This milestone represents the City’s continued efforts to support the American dream, protect long-term residents, and preserve the rich cultural fabric of our neighborhoods.” 

Betsy McGovern-Garcia, Executive Director of the BCLT and Vice President at Self-Help Enterprises, added, “We are proud to bring new affordable homes to Bakersfield families who have been waiting for the opportunity to own a home. This project reflects the power of partnership and commitment to creating housing that lasts and supports strong, thriving communities for generations.” 

Councilmember Andrae Gonzales, Chairman of the BCLT Board of Directors, emphasized the community impact: “This groundbreaking marks a new chapter for southeast Bakersfield, rooted in equity, opportunity, and progress. The Bakersfield Community Land Trust isn’t just building new homes, we are helping families build stability and generational wealth. And the entire community will benefit. With new construction and new homeowners in Southeast Bakersfield, we are strengthening the foundation of community health and safety.  This project is a long-overdue investment to a community full of potential and promise that has long been underserved.” 

Although Ward 4 Councilmember Bob Smith was unable to attend, he shared: “Affordable housing is the key for the future economic prosperity of Bakersfield. This project and all the ones that follow in the years to come will provide an economic boost to the families purchasing the homes and the community at large.  I’m proud to be a part of this important step for the families and economy of Bakersfield.”

The 14 new homes will be developed across lots in Bakersfield and reflect the BCLT’s mission to make homeownership possible for households who are often priced out of the market. The homes will feature modern designs, energy-efficient features, and access to homeownership counseling services tailored for first-time, low-income buyers. Using the land trust model, the ownership of the home is separated from the land. Buyers own and build equity in their home while leasing the land through a long-term, renewable agreement, ensuring the homes remain permanently affordable for future generations. 

The first two homes, located at 7021 and 7033 Sunchase Drive, will be available through a public lottery. Applications opened July 1, 2025, and close September 10, 2025, with a lottery drawing on September 17, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at 1600 Truxtun Avenue. 

Prospective buyers must submit a pre-application, provide a mortgage pre-approval for at least $110,000, and meet eligibility criteria. Full information and downloadable materials are available at www.bakersfieldclt.org, or by contacting Self-Help Enterprises at (559) 651-1000 or info@bakersfieldclt.org. Preference will be given to current Bakersfield residents. Families needing support with budgeting, credit repair, or general readiness are encouraged to enroll in Self-Help Enterprises’ Gateway Program, which offers free homeownership counseling and education.

 

About the Bakersfield Community Land Trust (BCLT) 

Established in 2024, the Bakersfield Community Land Trust (BCLT) is a nonprofit public benefit corporation founded by the City of Bakersfield and community members looking to create a new tool to help address affordable housing crisis in the valley. The BCLT’s mission is to lessen the burdens of government by assisting City of Bakersfield to ensure that its residents are able to secure housing by, among other things, developing, constructing, financing, managing, selling, renting, subsidizing, and monitoring single- and multi-family housing, and to conduct or perform any ancillary or related activity in furtherance of the foregoing. In December 2024, the BCLT and City of Bakersfield selected Self-Help Enterprises (SHE) to administer a $6.5M funding contract to develop affordable housing on a variety of BCLT sites, including the administrative and operational functions of the BCLT. Through the partnership with SHE and the City of Bakersfield, the BCLT plans to develop approximately 15-20 affordable homeownership units. 







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