Vermont Habitat for Humanity spends a day at the State House

May 2, 2023 | By Zachariah Watson

A concurrent resolution by the Vermont House of Representatives honored Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Vermont by designating April 7 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 housing for affordable homeownership opportunities for income-sensitive Vermonters for the last 39 years. 

The resolution highlighted the positive work of the Addison County, Bennington County, Central Vermont, Green Mountain, Greater Springfield, Rutland County and Upper Valley affiliates who since 2010 have built, rehabbed or recycled 112 housing units and repaired an additional 101 housing units. This important work would of course not been possible without the help of 23,903 volunteers who committed 317,321 volunteers hours since 2010 towards Habitat for Humanity’s mission of seeking to put God’s love into action, by bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope. 

After the resolution was read Rep. Jonathan Williams, D-Barre, spoke about how he met his fellow Rep. Peter Anthony, D-Barre, for the first time while building a deck with Central Vermont Habitat for Humanity. “You really learn if you can work well with someone when you’re building a deck together… luckily it all worked,” he said. 

Left to right: Zachariah Watson, Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman, Rebekah Stephens, executive director of Rutland HFH; David Mullin, CEO of Green Mountain HFH; and Cindy Luce executive director of Bennington HFH. Courtesy photo

Alison Johnson of Green Mountain HFH, Rebekah Stephens of Rutland HFH, Zach Watson of Central VT HFH, and Cindy Luce of  Bennington HFH testified to 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 Vermont Housing and Conservation Board’s mortgage subsidy program. They are anticipating building around 49 housing units over the next 18 months across Vermont. Rep. Tom Stevens, D-Waterbury, who chairs the committee, thanked the affiliates for their work and dedication and said that “[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 State House and meeting with Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman and the Speaker of the House Jill Krowinski. 

Central Vermont Habitat for Humanity is a 501(c)3 affordable housing nonprofit. It builds and rehabilitates simple, decent, energy-efficient, and perpetually affordable housing for income-sensitive Vermonters using volunteer labor and sweat equity. Mortgage subsidies, in addition to zero- or low-interest mortgages from CVHFH guarantee affordable mortgages for homeowners. To learn more including how to get involved with a building project visit centralvermonthabitat.org.

Zachariah Watson is executive director of Central Vermont Habitat for Humanity