PAHALI
PAHALI, a Community Land Trust (CLT) in East Palo Alto, an affiliate of EPA CAN DO, seeks to preserve affordable housing and prevent economic displacement. Initially incubated by NCLT, PAHALI has transitioned to full independence, acquiring additional affordable community-owned while focusing on sustainable housing and community development.
Four Decades +
Over four decades ago, the seeds of a dream were planted in the heart of a social justice activist. The dream was to ensure that the community of East Palo Alto would not lose its affordable housing assets and that more such homes would be developed or converted for long-term affordability. This dream took the form of PAHALI - Preserving Affordable Housing Assets Longterm, Inc., a Community Land Trust (CLT) rooted deeply in the principles of social justice.
The founder of this vision approached the Northern California Land Trust (NCLT) back in 1978 with the proposal. Recognizing the potential impact, NCLT passed a resolution in the mid-80s to incubate the project. However, life intervened, and the project was postponed. But dreams, especially those rooted in community justice, have a way of persisting. Over two decades later, NCLT was still there, ready to support when the time came to breathe life back into the project.
In 2014, NCLT partnered with PAHALI to acquire two pilot sites as single-family CLT homes in East Palo Alto. NCLT not only legally owned the pilot projects but also provided crucial technical assistance and transactional support. After a period of organizing and community building, and forming a partnership with EPA CAN DO, PAHALI transitioned to full independence. Today, these properties are in the process of being transferred to PAHALI ownership, marking a significant milestone in PAHALI's journey.
PAHALI’S Mission
PAHALI's mission is concrete - to create sustainable, affordable housing for local justice practitioners who serve as the pillars of the community. They focus on providing permanently affordable homeownership opportunities, particularly aiming to prevent the economic displacement of next-generation civic leaders. To achieve these objectives, PAHALI has expanded its board, negotiated administrative and property management services contracts, established a digital presence, and initiated new projects. These projects include developing an accessory dwelling unit at one of their CLT homes and building a ten-condo housing coop for future community leaders.
EPA CAN DO, a key partner, provides staffing for PAHALI's programs and working capital for its projects. This partnership is instrumental in driving PAHALI's mission forward.
Currently, PAHALI is in the process of acquiring three homes on Garden Way, made available to them at cost by Mid-Pen Housing. These properties will initially serve as affordable rentals, furthering PAHALI's commitment to preserving affordable housing in East Palo Alto.
The journey of PAHALI is a testament to the power of perseverance, community collaboration, and the unwavering dedication to social justice. With roots dating back to a dream conceived over 40 years ago, PAHALI stands today as a beacon of hope for affordable housing in East Palo Alto, assuring zero net loss of community-held housing assets.