OUR MISSION
The Future of Affordable Housing & Homeownership in Houston
Incorporated in 2018 as an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit, Houston
Community Land Trust is guided by the belief that secure, quality, affordable
housing is a foundation on which families build a legacy and cultivate
opportunity, both for themselves and for their community. Our mission is to
make affordable housing and homeownership achievable and accessible for
limited-income households in Houston by connecting them with perpetually
affordable housing in neighborhoods across our city. We also provide
stewardship services and support to help homebuyers find long-term success
in homeownership.
Houston Community Land Trust is grounded in the principles of community
empowerment, equitable access to high-quality housing, and a long-term
vision for protecting future affordability for all Houstonians.
MEET THE TEAM
Desmond
Watley-Calloway
Director of Programs & Partnerships
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
TOM McCASLAND
Board of Directors - HCLT
Tom McCasland is a longtime leader in affordable housing, having served as Director of the City of Houston’s Housing and Community Development Department and CEO of the Harris County Housing Authority. Under his leadership, Houston invested more than $1 billion in affordable housing and provided the seed funding to launch HCLT.
Passionate about permanent affordability, Tom believes community land trusts are a key solution to the housing crisis. His commitment to this work is rooted in his own experience growing up in poverty and his career dedicated to serving low-income families.
Outside of housing, Tom enjoys restoring native prairies, spending time outdoors, and mentoring the next generation of public and nonprofit leaders.
Tom McCasland is a seasoned leader in affordable housing, having served as Director of the City of Houston’s Housing and Community Development Department and CEO of the Harris County Housing Authority. As Chair of the HCLT Board of Directors, Tom brings a unique combination of government leadership experience and a deep personal commitment to expanding affordable homes.
An attorney by training, Tom led the City of Houston’s housing efforts with a clear priority: advancing the interests of low-income families. Under his leadership, the City invested more than $1 billion in affordable apartments and provided seed funding to launch the HCLT.
Tom joined the HCLT board because he believes that, with political will and adequate resources, the nation’s affordable housing crisis can be solved. He views community land trusts and their commitment to permanent affordability as essential tools in that solution. His dedication to this work is rooted in his own journey from childhood poverty to a career of public service on behalf of families in need.
Outside the boardroom, Tom is passionate about restoring native prairies and habitats. He is an avid reader, outdoorsman, and hands-on problem-solver. He also finds great joy in mentoring the next generation of public and nonprofit leaders who are committed to advancing equity and opportunity in low-income communities.
