‘A really beautiful gift’: Missoula philanthropist sought to enhance city’s affordable housing before her death – montanafreepress.org

Report on Affordable Housing Initiative and Legacy of Ethel MacDonald in Missoula

Introduction

This report highlights the philanthropic efforts of Ethel MacDonald, a longtime Missoulian and social justice advocate, focusing on her contributions to affordable housing through the Front Step Community Land Trust. The initiative aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Background of Ethel MacDonald

• Moved to Missoula circa 1958; career as a high school English and French teacher.
• Active supporter of social justice causes such as conservation, food security, and affordable housing.
• Established the Ethel MacDonald Charitable Foundation in 2018.
• Led a simple life focused on generosity and community support.

Affordable Housing Contribution

1. Property Sale to Front Step Community Land Trust
   • Sold Westside rental property below market value before her death in October 2025.
   • Proceeds directed to her charitable foundation to support local nonprofits.
   • Property to remain permanently affordable under the community land trust model.
2. Community Land Trust Model
   • Land ownership retained by the trust to reduce housing costs.
   • Future homeowners required to sell at affordable rates, ensuring long-term affordability.
   • Supports SDG 11 by promoting sustainable and inclusive urban development.
3. Upcoming Property Sale
   • John MacDonald, Ethel’s son, plans to sell her University District home to Front Step.
   • Encourages others to consider similar actions to expand affordable housing options.

Impact and Legacy

• The Ethel MacDonald Charitable Foundation donated approximately $23,000 to nonprofits in 2024.
• Nearly $1 million distributed to charities through direct donations and the foundation upon her passing.
• Her property sale represents a model of wealth redistribution and community support, advancing SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
• Front Step Community Land Trust currently manages over 90 permanently affordable homes in Missoula.
• The initiative demonstrates a scalable approach to affordable housing, promoting SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Community Land Trust Operations

1. Home Acquisition and Upgrades
   • Front Step acquires homes at below-market rates, minimizing need for external funding.
   • Homes are upgraded before sale to income-qualified buyers.
2. Eligibility and Lease Terms
   • Buyers must earn up to 120% of Missoula’s area median income.
   • Properties come with a 75-year ground lease restricting resale prices to maintain affordability.
   • Homeowners build equity while ensuring housing remains accessible to future buyers.

Call to Action and Future Prospects

• John MacDonald advocates for more families to sell inherited homes to community land trusts.
• Front Step aims to expand affordable housing into diverse neighborhoods, including the University District.
• Encouragement for individual actions to collectively impact affordable housing availability, supporting SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
• Homeword and other organizations emphasize the importance of community involvement in addressing housing challenges.

Conclusion

The efforts of Ethel MacDonald and the Front Step Community Land Trust exemplify a sustainable and community-driven approach to affordable housing. This initiative not only preserves housing affordability but also contributes to broader Sustainable Development Goals by reducing inequalities, promoting sustainable urban development, and fostering partnerships within the community.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 1: No Poverty – The article discusses affordable housing initiatives aimed at helping low- to moderate-income families secure housing, which directly relates to reducing poverty.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The community land trust model and philanthropic efforts aim to reduce economic inequality by providing affordable housing options to those priced out of the market.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The focus on maintaining affordable housing within the community and promoting sustainable homeownership aligns with making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The collaboration between individuals, nonprofits, and community land trusts exemplifies partnerships to achieve sustainable development goals.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 1 – Target 1.4: Ensure that all men and women, particularly the poor and vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, including access to basic services and ownership of property.
2. SDG 10 – Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of income or social status.
3. SDG 11 – Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
4. SDG 17 – Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

• Indicator for SDG 1.4: Proportion of population living in households with access to secure tenure rights to land, including customary tenure.
• Indicator for SDG 10.2: Proportion of people living below 50% of median income, or access to affordable housing for vulnerable groups.
• Indicator for SDG 11.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums or inadequate housing; number of affordable housing units created or preserved.
• Indicator for SDG 17.17: Number of partnerships and collaborations between community organizations, nonprofits, and private individuals supporting sustainable development.

These indicators are implied through the article’s focus on affordable housing availability, community land trust ownership models, income qualification criteria for buyers, and philanthropic partnerships.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: montanafreepress.org