Staff Member
Pronouns: she/her
Email: chelsea@mwclt.org
Phone: 8049908041
Chelsea Balestino
Director of Homeownership
Chelsea Balestino is the Director of Homeownership for the MWCLT. She guides families through the process of achieving affordable and sustainable homeownership. With a background in real estate law, Chelsea previously worked as a paralegal for Lane Pearson at Fleckenstein, Young & Pearson, P.C., the attorney who authored the legislation that established the program and responsible for drafting all MWCLT documents. That experience gave Chelsea a deep understanding of the loan closing side of homeownership, which now serves as a strong foundation for supporting buyers on the front end of the process.
A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chelsea is passionate about making an impactful difference in the community by expanding access to affordable housing. Outside of work, Chelsea enjoys life with a spouse and two young daughters.
2026 Information Sessions
Info Sessions are held in-person the Second Tuesday of every month and online monthly! As always, we welcome anyone who is interested in our program, whether you are potential homeowner, a real estate agent who wants to help your clients into a home they can afford, a...
Post-Purchase Workshop – June 6, 2026
Post-Purchase Class for MWCLT Home Owners Stewardship and Community Outreach Manager to host a Post-Purchase workshop on June 6. This workshop is intended for individuals who have purchased a MWCLT and are current MW residents. Who Should Attend? This special class is...
Maggie Walker Community Land Trust Announces New CEO
A New Chapter: Welcoming Dr. Mae Worthey-Thomas as CEO The start of the new year brings an exciting leadership transition. We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Mae Worthey-Thomas as our new Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Worthey-Thomas succeeds Erica Sims,...
Building Bridges – September 2024
Do you remember? This September, we’re dancing because the first four homes in Ettrick Landing are under contract and scheduled to close! We’re making progress on several other construction projects, including one in the city’s Northside. Don’t forget, MWCLT is once...
Building Bridges – July 2024
Ready for some fireworks? In addition to celebrating America’s independence, this month we’re celebrating an important birthday: Maggie L. Walker herself, born 160 years ago on July 15th, 1864. This Friday, 7/5 the National Parks Service will kick off two weeks of...
Public Statement on Bensley Agrihood Rezoning
On June 5, 2024, the nonprofits behind the envisioned Bensley Agrihood withdrew their rezoning application from the Chesterfield County Planning Commission’s docket because it became clear—after 583 days—that the project would not receive rezoning approval due to a...
Building Bridges – June 2024
Here comes the sun... We had some big news last month! On May 17, Henrico County announced a massive $60 million Housing Trust Fund, as well as their intention to use it to fund a massive expansion of the CLT in Henrico. Ettrick Landing is on track to be completed...
Volunteer Opportunity: CLT Housing Eligibility Strategist
Join MWCLT as our 2024 – 2025 VHA AmeriCorps VISTA Member. Apply by July 18, 2024. Stipends and other benefits available.