Throughout the past two blustery months, residents have been moving into their new homes at the Chalet in West Brattleboro. The project developed quickly in response to the coronavirus and taking measures to protect our most vulnerable neighbors- neighbors who have experienced chronic homelessness and have been sheltering in motels. Newly renovated, the Chalet is now home to 35 apartments in total, 27 of which have new residents creating a new home and a new community with the on-site supportive services provided by Groundworks Collaborative.
The property previously known as “Dalem’s Chalet” carries many memories, stories, and emotions in its Bavarian architecture and detailing. “It feels like quite an honor to have purchased the property knowing the legacy we are inheriting.” Says Elizabeth Bridgewater, WWHT Executive Director. This time of transition felt like the perfect opportunity to capture some of that legacy and those stories while celebrating this next chapter. In partnership with Groundworks and with help from Akhil Srivastava- Director of Lifestream Films and Advocate at Groundworks Shelter- we are now able to say “welcome home!” with this beautiful film telling the story of the Chalet.
Many Thanks!
As with all our projects, so many pieces make a whole. We’d like to thank the community for being so engaged in this project- for coming to our virtual gatherings, asking questions, and keeping open lines of communication. We are so excited to be new neighbors on South Street!
Many thanks to our funders for making this project possible: Vermont Housing & Conservation Board, NeighborWorks America, and Brattleboro Savings & Loan for funding the purchase and renovation; to Vermont State Housing Authority for providing the crucial rental subsidies.
Many thanks to our development team Scott McKusick and GPI Construction for working so hard to complete renovations within such a short period of time.
Many thanks to our partners Groundworks Collaborative who have worked so closely with us every step of this project development and for the support now present on site for our new residents.
Finally, many thanks to all those who have shared their stories of the property, whether through this video or at our gatherings. It’s been a privilege to hear all the history and connections with this place.
