Jackson Hole Housing Trust

Jackson Hole Housing Trust is a Teton County non-profit that develops and preserves permanently affordable workforce housing across the valley. Founded in 1991, it operates as a community land trust and housing developer rather than a real estate brokerage, with a mission focused on keeping working residents able to live in the county. The right fit is anyone seeking affordable ownership or rental housing through their programs, donors and community supporters interested in the Trust's work, and journalists or researchers studying mountain-town housing strategy.

What you get

Three core operations. Development of new affordable for-sale and rental housing across Teton County. Stewardship of an existing portfolio of permanently affordable units that turn over within the program when occupants sell. Application and eligibility processing for households seeking housing through the Trust. Offices on Second Floor at 110 East Broadway in Jackson. Programs are governed by income limits, residency requirements, and unit-specific deed restrictions.

Why the Trust matters

Three reasons it sits at the center of valley housing. First, scale. After 30+ years, the Trust has placed hundreds of households in housing that wouldn't otherwise exist at workforce price points in this market. Second, the deed-restriction model. Units stay affordable across resales rather than being sold once below market and then floating to market on the next sale; the affordability is a permanent feature, not a one-time discount. Third, advocacy depth. The Trust has been instrumental in securing land partnerships with public agencies, including long-term Special Use Permits for housing on Forest Service-adjacent land.

How to engage

For housing seekers, start with the Trust's website. Each project lists eligibility requirements (income limits, household size, working-in-county requirements). Application windows run on project-specific schedules; some programs accept rolling applications, others run by lottery for new units. For donors and partners, the Trust accepts contributions, naming opportunities on units, and partnership inquiries. For research and reporting, contact the office directly.

Honest limits to know

Two honest tradeoffs. First, demand far exceeds supply; even a strong application is not a guarantee of placement, and waitlists are real. Second, eligibility rules are strict and necessary; the Trust exists to serve specific income-defined working-resident populations, not the broader market. Read the program rules carefully before applying.

Local note

For applicants, the strongest position is being ready to act fast when a project opens. Have proof-of-employment documents, tax returns, and household-size paperwork organized in advance; application windows often run only a few weeks. For supporters, the Trust's annual events and capital campaigns often tie directly to specific upcoming projects, which is the highest-leverage way to give.

Final call

For affordable housing seekers in Teton County or community supporters wanting to back a 30-year-running workforce-housing developer, the Jackson Hole Housing Trust is the institution to know. Read the program rules, organize the paperwork, and engage early.

FAQ

Is this a real estate brokerage?

No. The Trust is a non-profit developer and steward of permanently affordable housing.

How do I apply for housing?

Through the Trust's website. Each project has its own eligibility and application schedule.

Are the units permanently affordable?

Yes. Deed restrictions keep units affordable across resales.

How can I support the Trust?

Donations, project-level partnerships, and event participation. The website lists current ways to give.