A concurrent resolution by the VT State House of Representatives honored Habitat for Humanity (HFH) affiliates in Vermont by designating April 7, 2023, as the Vermont Habitat for Humanity Affiliates Day at the Statehouse.
Affiliate leaders and volunteers gathered in the House Chamber as the resolution was read, recognizing that Habitat for Humanity has been building affordable homes in partnership with income-sensitive Vermonters for the last 39 years. The resolution highlighted the positive work of Green Mountain Habitat, along with fellow affiliates from Addison County, Bennington County, Central Vermont, Greater Springfield, Rutland County, and Upper Valley, who, since 2010, have built or rehabbed 112 housing units and repaired 101 units. This important work would, of course, not have been possible without the help of 23,903 volunteers who have committed 317,321 hours since 2010 towards Habitat for Humanity’s mission of bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope.
Alison Johnson of Green Mountain HFH, Rebekah Stephens of Rutland HFH, Zach Watson of Central VT HFH, and Cindy Luce of Bennington HFH testified before the House Committee on General and Housing about the homes they are building around the state and the challenges they are experiencing. All the affiliates who spoke benefitted from the Missing Middle Program and the VT Housing and Conservation Board’s mortgage subsidy program. They anticipate building around 49 housing units over the next 18 months across VT.
Rep. Tom Stevens, who chairs the committee, thanked the affiliates for their work and dedication and said, “You (VT HFH affiliates) have a business model which is really heart oriented. Yet trying to find a way to deal with this world, there are several fine lines to walk. I appreciate that you are trying to figure out that way. If not here, then where?”
The affiliates spent the rest of the day talking to Senators and Representatives in the card room at the Statehouse and meeting with Lieutenant Governor David Zuckerman and the Speaker of the House, Jill Krowinski.
