Champlain Housing Trust recognizes state Rep. Tom Stevens
Ferbruary 9, 2024 | By Waterbury Roundabout
Photo David Seaver for Champlain Housing Trust
Champlain Housing Trust recently held its annual meeting and awards dinner where it elected board members and honored several champions for affordable housing.
More than 300 people attended the event in Burlington that marked the nonprofit agency’s 39th year.
State Rep. Tom Stevens, D-Waterbury, was one of three individuals on the program that the trust honored along with two community organizations that the trust works with.
Stevens, who chairs the Vermont House Committee on General & Housing received the Brenda Torpy Founders Award for Exemplary Contributions to Perpetually Affordable Housing.
“It seems so natural to me to fight for affordable housing,” Stevens said in accepting the award. “And it’s not just fighting for affordable housing, but it’s fighting for human beings to have the right to live in a place that’s safe and stable.”
Champlain Housing Trust also recognized:
Maida Townsend, of South Burlington, with the Hilton Wick “Give Until if Feels Good” Fundraising Award for her work over many years on the Cornerstone Luncheon.
Gordon Gokey, of Burlington, with the Joan Beauchemin Civic Engagement given to a CHT resident for community service.
Shelburne Craft School with the Carole Pack Volunteer Award for their engagement with and support of Harbor Place guests.
Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity with a special community partner award.
Champlain Housing Trust Chief Executive Officer Michael Monte with state Rep. Tom Stevens, D-Waterbury. Photo David Seaver for Champlain Housing Trust
The organization's members elected two new individuals to its Board of Directors and re-elected four previously serving directors. New to the board with three-year terms: Regina Mahoney, City Manager of Essex Junction; and Isaac Owusu, Director of Community Engagement and Support for the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance.
Re-elected to the Board of Directors were Naima Dennis of Burlington, Liz Gamache of St. Albans, Sarah Robinson of Burlington, and Jeff Smith of Burlington.
The Champlain Housing Trust board is made up of one-third residents of the agency’s housing, one-third representing local government, and one-third the general population. Board members’ biographies may be seen on CHT’s website.
A video recording of the awards presentation is posted online on Champlain Housing Trust's YouTube channel.