Housing trust funds are distinct funds, usually established by state or local governments, that receive ongoing public revenues which can only be spent on affordable housing initiatives, including new construction, preservation of existing housing, emergency repairs, homeless shelters, housing-related services, and multifamily building for nonprofit organizations. Over 650 housing trust funds in cities, counties and states generate nearly $1 billion a year to support critical housing needs, underscoring the integral role these funds play in the world of affordable housing. On this page you'll find more information on the housing trust fund concept, case studies, how REALTORS® can establish and promote trust funds in their communities, the effort to create a National Housing Trust Fund, and more.

Housing Trust Funds: The Basics

What are housing trust funds?, (Center for Community Change)—Features a history of housing trust funds and listing of funds around the U.S. The website is a significant source of information on HTFs, as well as providing technical assistance and advocacy for the creation and ongoing funding of state and local housing trust funds.

Housing Trust Funds, (PolicyLink)—Includes info on how and why to use housing trust funds, success stories, challenges, policy options, and a list of resources.

Housing trust funds, (Canada Mortgage & Housing Corp.)—Includes info on how housing trust funds work in the U.S. and Canada, advantages and disadvantages, case studies, and sources.

Housing Trust Funds; Overview, (HousingPolicy.org, 2010)—Background, case studies, revenue sources and where dollars are used.

Guidelines & Case Studies

HousingPolicy.org—Collects and provides examples of proven solutions for expanding the availability of homes for working families and others. The site includes information on a broad range of state and local policy tools, as well as guidance on how to put them together to form a comprehensive and effective housing strategy.

Sample documents from state and local trust funds, (The Campaign for Affordable Housing, 2010)—Includes 'enabling legislation', 'revenue sources', 'gathering support', and 'making your case' papers from across the country.

Winning a public vote for a state or local housing trust fund or bond—Case studies, (The Campaign for Affordable Housing, c. 2004).

Florida's housing trust fund—addressing the state's affordable housing needs, (Journal of Land Use & Environmental Law, Spring 2004).

Partnerships for opportunity: Four organizations that can help you create housing opportunity in your community, (REALTOR® Association Executive, Winter 2003). 

Models of governance for housing trust funds, (Connecticut Office of Legislative Research, Mar. 2000).

A Workbook for Creating a Housing Trust Fund, (Center for Community Change, July 1999).

A National Housing Trust Fund?

The National Housing Trust Fund Campaign, (National Low Income Housing Coalition, 2011).

An Introduction to the National Housing Trust Fund, (Journal of Housing & Community Development, Nov./Dec. 2010). Q

A federal remedy? Why I advocate a national housing trust fund, (REALTOR® Magazine, Feb. 2003).

Other Organizations & Websites

Center for Community Change—Founded in 1968 to honor the life and values of Robert F. Kennedy, the Center is one of the longest-standing champions for low-income people and communities of color.

Housing Trust Fund Project News—Quarterly newsletter from the Center for Community Change.

National Council of State Housing Agencies—Established more than 30 years ago by the nation's state Housing Finance Agencies as a nonprofit organization to coordinate and leverage their federal advocacy efforts for affordable housing.

National Housing Conference—Since 1931, the nonprofit National Housing Conference (NHC) has been dedicated to helping ensure safe, decent and affordable housing for all in America.

National Low Income Housing Coalition—Established in 1974, the National Low Income Housing Coalition is dedicated solely to achieving socially just public policy that assures people with the lowest incomes in the United States have affordable and decent homes.

Books & Other Resources

Books, Videos, Research Reports & More

The resources below are available for loan through Information Central.  Up to three books, tapes, CDs and/or DVDs can be borrowed for 30 days from the Library for a nominal fee of $10.  Call Information Central at 800.874.6500 for assistance.

Distance education: agency, ethics, fair housing, trust funds, (Executive Career College, 1999). HD 1375 Ex3

State and local affordable housing programs: A rich tapestry, (Washington, DC: Urban Land Institute, 1999). HD 7293 Ur1st

A status report on housing trust funds in the United States, (Frazier Park, CA: Center for Community Change, 1997). HD 7293 C33s

A guide to housing trust funds: Tools for community development, (Washington, DC: Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation, 1989). HD 7293 N31

Field Guides & More

These field guides and other resources in the Virtual Library may also be of interest:

Field Guide to Establishing a Charitable Foundation

Field Guide to Social Benefits of Homeownership

Field Guide to the Effects of Low Income Housing on Surrounding Property Values

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The inclusion of links on this field guide does not imply endorsement by the National Association of REALTORS®. NAR makes no representations about whether the content of any external sites which may be linked in this field guide complies with state or federal laws or regulations or with applicable NAR policies. These links are provided for your convenience only and you rely on them at your own risk.