|
Back Issues |
|
Working
Together
. Habitat
for Humanity of Addison County "To serve the need
around here -- and there's
Putting up a home inexpensively may seem like nothing short of impossible, but that's been the mission of Habitat for Humanity, the International nonprofit, nondenominational Christian housing organization. ... And since year before last, Addison County has had its own chapter of this worthwhile & much-needed organization. According to Peter Carothers, the current Vice President of the local, Habitat for Humanity of Addison County officially entered the fold in October of '99. And now, they are busy at work completing their first housing project -- a "simple, decent, affordable" unit off 116, near the Middlebury-Bristol line. "It's going well," Carothers said. We have a few things left to do. But it should be ready by summer." The need for Habitat is enormous. Wordlwide, there are an estimated 1.5 billion people living in inadequate shelter. But even here in our own neighborhood, with housing prices 'through the roof', finding affordable housing is a daunting task.
Of course, Habitat is not out to build luxury homes. The aim is, as the national organization's literature notes, to "build simple, decent, affordable houses in partnership with those in need of adequate shelter." And therein lies one of the unique elements of Habitat's model. The partnership with "those in need" actually translates into the eventual homeowners participating in the construction, along with community volunteers, all under the supervision of someone knowledgeable. But that's not the only thing that keeps the cost of these homes down. There are three things Habitat cites to explain why they are able to build affordable housing: 1) Houses are sold at no profit, with no interest charged on the mortgage. 2) Homeowners and volunteers build the houses under trained supervision. 3) Individuals, corporations, faith groups and others provide financial support.
For its first project, Habitat of Addison County has received support from a number of sources, including public funding from the Vermont Housing Conservation Board and CVOEO, which is providing the insulation for the unit. But, as Carothers notes, the need for funding is still the highest priority. "Fund raising has been a little slow to get started," he said. "To serve the need around here -- and there's a large need -- we have to do more," Carothers noted. It stands to reason as developers continue to put up homes priced well beyond the reach of many county residents, particularly younger families just starting out. Part of "doing more" will also fall to the hands of Fred Baser, of Bristol Financial Services, who will be taking on some of the tasks associated with development and fund-raising. If you would like to learn more about Habitat for Humanity of Addison County, or would like to make a donation or volunteer, simply call them at the number listed above. We're sure they'll be glad to hear from you. .. ******* ******* If you would like to submit something for our Community Service feature, or if you simply would like to suggest something you think we ought to cover, e-mail us at ... autotravel@downstreetmagazine.com. ******* ******* If you would like to advertise in this section, or throughout the magazine, please visit our Advertising Info Pages ... or call, write, or e-mail ads@downstreetmagazine.com. ******* ******* |
|
*******
******* ******* ******* For more information, contact DownStreet Magazine by ...
Phone
(802) 453-5124 All
material copyrighted © 2000-2001. All rights
reserved. |
