Why SCCLT?
Everyone involved with the land trust comes from varied backgrounds, but all embrace its mission. Below, some of the founding advocates describe how and why they devoted so many volunteer hours to the SCCLT.
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Homeowners Mary and Mark Wilson
S – SINCERITY of those involved in the mission of the Land Trust C – COURAGE to restore neighborhoods as well as people's lives C – COMMITMENT to overcome financial and physical hazards L – LIMITLESS possibilities to live close to work and school, and to neighbors witnessing the positive impacts on their neighborhoods T – TRUST extended to those in the Land Trust program, as they take flight with a simple, gentle hand to set them free. The possibilities of homeownership energized not only the potential homeowner but also volunteers, staff, and even neighbors watching a property being revitalized. Volunteers did yard work, painting, and whatever it took; and many donuts and pizza were passed among the enthusiastic volunteers, rain or shine. |
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Jerry Wettstone, Board Member
Why did you get involved with SCCLT?
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Homeowner "Nona" Nina
I am an early childhood educator. It means so much to me that I can ride my bike or walk from my SCCLT home in the Borough to work. Many of my colleagues have a long commute to their teaching jobs, some from as far away as Lock Haven. I bought a wonderful home through the SCCLT, but I have received so much more. Serving on the Board of Directors and various committees over time has put me in touch with people I would not otherwise have met and helped me to grow and learn. I became part of a warm and interesting community and got an education in how caring people can make a difference in their town. "As one of the first SCCLT homeowners I know how affordable housing can lead to a better future. I want to help build that future for as many families as possible." |
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Program Coordinator Colleen Ritter
It was something that I believed in and felt strongly about -- to create affordable housing for low and moderate income residents and preserve affordable housing for future generations of home owners. In 2000, the SCCLT had five homeowners in place and had just purchased another house on Logan Avenue. The number of new houses that we purchased and fixed was intense from 2001 to 2005. Lots of rehab going on, volunteers working on the houses, and new homeowners getting involved in the organization. I have enjoyed seeing families grow over the years. |
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Elizabeth Goreham, Former Mayor of State College Borough
In 1998, I was elected to Borough Council and appointed to the SCCLT board. The prospect of creating a partnership between our local government and a Land Trust, to increase permanent owner-occupied home ownership in our town was very exciting. Several board members, myself included, got an education about the mysterious and expansive nature of renovations. Twenty years later, I am proud of the great success achieved by the continuing efforts of the State College Community Land Trust, and proud that the work done in our town is now being done through the Centre County Land Trust, as well. |
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Sue Hiester, Volunteer
My introduction to the SCCLT was through an article in the newspaper. I gave them a call and began volunteering right away, now almost 20 years ago! Working to help others experience the excitement, challenges and pride in homeownership was exciting then and remains so all these years later. |
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Polly Dunn on her work with SCCLT: "My neighborhood is so unique that I want more people to have the opportunity to live in our community in affordable housing."
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Vicki Fong "Home ownership is the cornerstone of a strong community. I am committed to fair and affordable housing in the Borough of State College and throughout Centre County. Fair and affordable housing is a basic right for all Americans."
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Shannon Holliday: "I’m a mother of three beautiful daughters and a Glamma of a beautiful soon to be five year old granddaughter. As a New Orleans native I drifted ashore in Happy Valley shortly after Hurricane Katrina. My involvement with the State College Community Land Trust is due to my passion for providing resources to diverse people in my community."
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Homeowners The Kollat Family
We were a young married couple still in graduate school, but the SCCLT was our gateway into home ownership and all of the rewards that come with it. Now, as young professionals and the parents of three children, we are so very grateful for the start SCCLT gave us in becoming knowledgeable homeowners and active community members. |
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Peg Hambrick, Volunteer
Over a decade ago, a very good friend invited me to become a volunteer for the State College Community Land Trust. Volunteering for the SCCLT has broadened my understanding of community, and, has helped me appreciate how important owning a home is to one's sense of place. |
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Homeowner Bryon May
Ten years ago, I began my search for a house in State College, but was coming up short. Then, some wonderful folks at the SCCLT told me that they had received my name from State College Borough’s First Time Home Buyers Program, and they had a house to show me. Skeptical, I drove up to the house and was delighted at what I saw! Ten years, several sprawling gardens later, my house is full of cherished memories that wouldn’t have been possible without the existence of the SCCLT. |
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Ron Quinn, Former Executive Director
One reason I chose to become a part of the SCCLT is actually stated in our organization’s mission: I wanted to be part of the work that contributed to families and individuals becoming part of our vibrant and uniquely wonderful community. |
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Gil Morrison, Rehab Manager
During the past 15 years, I have been fortunate to see the Land Trust grow from a handful of homes to more than three dozen — one project at a time. I have also been privileged to work with some very fine people, volunteers, staff, and home owners alike, who have all put their energies into something we believe in: sustainable home ownership and sustainable neighborhoods. |
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John Hiester, Volunteer
Over 14 years, I’ve been engaged in a wide variety of SCCLT publication projects, including the volunteer posters, and I greatly enjoy contributing in my small measure to the organization’s goals and objectives. |
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Sally Lenker, Volunteer
Years ago as a single mother with two sons, I felt fortunate to be able to buy my home when State College was more affordable. As a result of my experience, I became involved with the Land Trust. As a real estate professional, I have the opportunity to “give back” to SCCLT. |
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