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Habitat for Humanity is Raising Money for Fourth House in the Valley

Last summer, the Camel’s Hump Chapter of Central Vermont Habitat for Humanity completed its third house in the Mad River Valley. The group’s current focus is on finding affordable property in the area and raising the funds to build another house. Mortgage payments from the three houses and from another house the chapter has built in Waterbury Center will be used for future houses. The chapter is also planning for its annual Memorial Day weekend yard sale, a major source of funds for its projects. Other funding comes from area churches, foundations, businesses and individuals. These combined efforts have made it possible for three area families to live in decent affordable homes and to raise their children in a safe and healthy environment.

In 1999, the Camel’s Hump Chapter began to build houses in its designated area along the Route 100 corridor. The first house was built in Waterbury Center on donated land. The Smith house in Fayston was completed in 2002, followed by the Sallerson house in Warren in 2004 and the DeCasas house on the adjoining lot in 2006. The land for these houses was purchased in part with funds donated by the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board. The DeCasas house was donated by the Sugarbush Resort, and moved to its present site and remodeled by Habitat volunteers.

Volunteers do much of the work on the houses. Anyone who has taken part in a Saturday workday has experienced the feeling of community and camaraderie that such an effort elicits. Work that is too difficult or dangerous for volunteers to undertake, such as preparing the site or roofing the house, is often donated at cost by area construction firms.

As housing costs have risen in most parts of the country, it is especially important to provide affordable housing in resort areas such as the Valley. Often, those who work in the resort industry cannot afford homes near their workplaces. Organizations such as Habitat are attempting to fill this need.

A selection committee chooses the families who will become home owners. Applicants fill out a preliminary application and if they meet the income and other requirements, a more extensive survey is made. Home visits assess the family’s need for safe, adequate housing.

Habitat homes are not free. Homeowners must earn enough to cover interest-free mortgage payments as well as the taxes on the house and the utilities. The families work in partnership with Habitat by investing hundreds of hours in helping to build their homes or to working on fundraising activities. If and when a family chooses to move, a covenant on the mortgage ensures that the house will remain affordable for another family.

Habitat is a worldwide, grass-roots movement. There are more than 2,300 active affiliates in 92 countries, including all 50 states of the United States, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico. Habitat affiliates are asked to “tithe,” that is to give 10 percent of their contributions to fund house-building work in other nations. The local chapter is proud to have fulfilled this commitment.

To learn more about local Habitat for Humanity projects, call 583-2902 or go to www.mrvhabitathouse.org.