The West Rehoboth Community Land Trust remembers Pastor Beth Doty for her dedication, commitment and efforts in making affordable housing in West Rehoboth, a historically Black community, a reality.
The land trust was established in 2005 with the mission of preserving a historic neighborhood known as West Rehoboth. However, its true mission was not achieved until Doty arrived and infused a level of commitment and love for the community which allowed the mission to be achieved.
Because of her contacts, experience in grant writing, her love for the families residing in West Rehoboth, and the grace of God, the land trust was able to raise funds that have resulted in properties being maintained by historic West Rehoboth families. While gentrification took hold in West Rehoboth, Black families were able to remain through Doty’s efforts.
As a result of her vision and efforts, the land trust is able to provide low-cost rental homes to families that could not afford to live in or around Rehoboth Beach. With funds raised, the land trust was able purchase lots, work with a builder, and borrow funds needed to provide housing for families and allow them to achieve home ownership.
Doty’s leadership as president enabled the land trust to provide four rental units and four lots which are currently being leased to West Rehoboth residents at a nominal fee. We are currently working in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity to provide homeownership to another young family.
We thank Beth Doty for her vision and dedicated work in helping to provide affordable housing to this historically Black community. If you would like to know more about the West Rehoboth Community Land Trust, please visit our website: westrehobothlandtrust.org.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 23, at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 18 Olive Ave., Rehoboth Beach, with burial to follow at St. George’s Chapel, Harbeson.
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