About Us
About Common Roots
Common Roots’ mission is to develop and steward sustainable, permanently affordable homes that build wealth, security, and community for Meadville and Crawford County, PA. We believe that all residents should be able to benefit from stable homes that they love and are invested in.
Common Roots is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are also a community land trust (CLT), which means we will never sell our land and promise to keep it affordable for generations to come.
CLTs like Common Roots are able to make homeownership attainable for lower income individuals and families through a shared equity model. While the homeowner owns the home, Common Roots retains ownership of the land (shared equity!). The partnership between Common Roots and the homeowner ensures the property is well-maintained over time. It also ensures the home remains affordable for future generations, as the homeowner agrees to pay forward the opportunity by limiting their proceeds at resale so another family can access the wealth-building benefits of homeownership.
Staff
Ase Egeland
SELF-HELP CONSTRUCTION and Maintenance organizer
ase@commonrootspa.org
Bryce Groh
Furniture Closet/ Self-Help Housing
Conrad Martin
HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
Ashlyne Lawrence
PLANNING AND ADMINISTRATION
Board of Directors
Common Roots is a high-participation organization where everyone’s superpowers are valued and put to work for our mission. Our Board of Directors is a mix of community leaders, cooperative members, and dedicated volunteers who are all directly engaged in growing Common Roots.
We have three standing committees which plan and carry out the core parts of Common Roots’ mission. All committees include residents, volunteers, staff, and Board members.
Our Finances and Funding Committee is working hard to ensure Common Roots is a resilient organization with adequate resources to sustain and grow.
Our Home Stewardship Committee is charged with maintaining our homes and improving our properties for future generations.
Our Housing Design and Development Committee is pioneering innovative ways to build affordably and sustainably.
If you are interested in getting involved in one of our committees, reach out to the appropriate contact:
- Finances and Funding Committee: Julie Wilson at julie@commonrootspa.org
- Home Stewardship Committee: James Campbell at james@commonrootspa.org
- Housing Design and Development Committee: Carlin Gingerich at carlin@commonrootspa.org
Samantha Travis
President
Sam is the Director of Crawford County Planning where she oversees community development activities and grant administration and compliance. She has a background in historical preservation.
Term ends 2026.
Lisbet Searle-White
vice president
Lisbet is a long-time volunteer and experienced energy efficiency professional who is currently employed by the Green Building Alliance to lead the Meadville Resilient Communities initiative.
Term ends 2027.
Emily Bowman
secretary
Emily is a mental health case worker for Crawford County Mental Health Awareness Program.
Term ends 2026.
Richard Friedberg
Treasurer
Richard is the former Mayor of Meadville and long-time supporter.
Term ends 2027.
Susan Brockman
Susan is a long-time, dedicated volunteer who brings relevant experience from her positions in county government, Allegheny College, and ERIEBANK.
Term ends 2027.
Jennifer Barber
Jen is a member of the William Street Renting Cooperative.
Term ends 2027.
Paul Davis
Paul is a retired carpenter who volunteered on Common Roots’ first rehabilitation effort at 1189-91 South Main Street where he currently resides. He is an active member of the South Main Renting Cooperative and serves as the Maintenance Coordinator for the building.
Term ends 2027.
Katie Davis-Bonilla
Katie is a long-time volunteer and currently lives in one of the CLT rentals. She is a housing advocate at Crawford County Mental Health Awareness Program and formerly worked as an education specialist at Women’s Services.
Term ends 2026.
Mike Marley
Mike is a long-time, dedicated volunteer and experienced home designer and engineer.
Term ends 2026.
Sally Guzik
Sally is CEO of Fourth Economy, where she specializes in economic development, strategic planning, and community engagement.
Term ends 2026.
Join Our Volunteer Team
Got some skills? Interested in helping us create quality, environmentally sustainable housing? Let us know about you!
Learn Construction Skills
Do you want to work in construction? Are you interested in green building? Reach out about opportunities to work and learn with us!
Check Out What's New
Common Roots is working hard and growing fast. Read about our recent work and accomplishments.
Become a
Member
Common Roots is a membership organization. We want everyone in, because we know everyone has something to contribute.