MONTPELIER, VERMONT – Vermont Habitat for Humanity affiliates are excited to announce a groundbreaking event in the fight against Vermont’s housing crisis. On Saturday, September 21st, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the first-ever wall raising ceremony will take place on the Statehouse lawn in front of Vermont’s iconic Golden Dome.
The event will bring together volunteers, including elected representatives from across the state, to participate in a unique demonstration of community spirit and dedication to affordable housing. Under the guidance of Habitat for Humanity leaders, these volunteers will work in teams to build wall sections, which will then be assembled for a ceremonial wall raising.
This wall raising ceremony marks a significant step in the construction of a new home at 22 Hill Street in Barre City. This single-unit house is being built to meet Efficiency Vermont’s high-performance energy standards and will provide an income-sensitive partner homeowner with a much-needed, better housing solution. The future homeowner will also play an integral role in building their own home, reflecting Habitat for Humanity’s commitment to partnership and empowering home ownership.
The event aims to draw attention to the growing deficit of housing units in Vermont and underscore the critical role of affordable home ownership in addressing the state’s housing needs. By showcasing this hands-on approach to solving the housing crisis, Habitat for Humanity hopes to inspire more community involvement and support.
A recent analysis by several state agencies concluded that there is a current statewide deficit of roughly 6,800 housing units, but this analysis does not account for population growth nor loss of units; therefore, the actual number of units needed to meet the housing demand is much higher.
“This house is just one of many that needs to be built to address the affordable housing crisis,” said Zachariah Watson, Executive Director of Central Vermont Habitat for Humanity. “It is imperative that the state helps us address these issues so more families can have an affordable place to call home.”
The wall raising ceremony is open to the public, with registration required for those interested in volunteering to assemble wall sections. For more information or to register as a volunteer, please contact Zachariah Watson at [email protected]. Opportunities to sponsor a wall section are also available.
Join us in making a tangible difference in our community and help build a brighter future for Vermonters in need of better housing.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024
- Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Location: Vermont State House Lawn, Montpelier, VT
For media inquiries, please contact:
Zachariah Watson, Executive Director Central Vermont Habitat for Humanity
802-522-8611
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About Habitat for Humanity
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The non-profit housing organization has since become a leading global nonprofit working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and more than 70 countries. Families and individuals who need a hand-up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering, or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve strength, stability, and security.
Vermont is home to six Habitat for Humanity affiliates dedicated to providing affordable housing solutions across the state. These include Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity, Central Vermont Habitat for Humanity, Addison County Habitat for Humanity, Bennington Area Habitat for Humanity, Upper Valley Habitat for Humanity, and Rutland County Habitat for Humanity.
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