GREENSBORO BEND – The Greensboro Initiative of Central Vermont Habitat for Humanity® announced its purchase of a building lot on Main Street in Greensboro Bend for construction of a two-family duplex.
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Using panelized construction techniques, with slab on grade, the home will provide high-energy efficiency and affordable operating and maintenance costs to two qualified working families, according to the organization. Closing on the land purchase was completed Wednesday, Oct. 23. Site work and primary construction will begin next Spring. The duplex is projected to be move-in ready by mid-2026.
The Greensboro Initiative of Central Vermont Habitat for Humanity® was formed in 2023 to address the shortage of affordable housing for working families who want to live in the Greensboro community. Central Vermont Habitat for Humanity® has helped guide the Greensboro Initiative by sharing its experience and resources including architectural plans, construction resources, budgeting, finance and owner selection procedures.
More than 70% of the estimated costs of construction for the first project have been pledged or received from more than 20 donors. Several reimbursement grants have been awarded that will enable additional housing to be built in the future. Anchor donors for the Initiative are Hill Farmstead Brewery, Jasper Hill Farm and The Freeman Foundation.
Central Vermont Habitat for Humanity has built over 80 homes for income sensitive Vermonters.
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The Greensboro Initiative is raising a $700,000 “Evergreen Fund” that will be deployed to cover the construction on Main Street in Greensboro Bend, across from the Four Seasons of Early Learning Center.
Proceeds from the sale of these homes, together with grants and credits received under government affordable housing programs and from other charitable sources, will be reinvested in the construction of additional affordable homes.
Prospective owners of the planned home must make it their permanent residence; have household income between 30% and 80% of Orleans County’s median household income, adjusted for family size; Demonstrate shelter need by living in inadequate housing or paying greater than 50% of their income for shelter.
Those selected to become homeowners must then invest at least 250 hours of “sweat equity” per adult in the household; participate in Habitat for Humanity’s partnership program, which includes financial counseling and household management education and have the ability to pay principal and interest on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage tied to their income level, as well as taxes and insurance payments.
Applicants will be homeowners but will agree to resale restrictions designed to ensure the homes remain available as affordable housing in perpetuity.
Community members who wish to contribute to this Initiative can do so on-line at centralvermonthabitat.org/greensborovermont.html
Habitat for Humanity® homes are built by both professional builders and community volunteers. Many volunteers will be needed for this project. To indicate your interest in becoming a volunteer, please sign up at centralvermonthabitat.org.
Applicants for homeownership can access information here: www.centralvermonthabitat.org/homeownership-program.html
For further information, see the website centralvermonthabitat.org/greensborovermont.html
The Greensboro Initiative is being run by community members for community members. For additional information contact GreensboroHFH@centralvermonthabitat.org or Kent Hansen, chair, (802) 533-2300.
Paul Fixx is editor of The Hardwick Gazette and lives in Hardwick.
