Vermont Business Magazine: Over 100 attendees gathered together on Thursday, June 22nd for Windham & Windsor Housing Trust’s Annual Meeting and 35th anniversary celebration. Residents, Shared Equity homeowners, supporters, staff, funders and friends mingled at the block party-themed event held on the site of the organization’s very first redevelopment at 50, 58, 64 Canal Street in downtown Brattleboro.
Board President Victor Morrison and Executive Director Elizabeth Bridgewater welcomed attendees. “Thirty-five years ago, our first initiative took place led by a group of Brattleboro volunteers that resulted in the preservation and rehabilitation of the buildings we are surrounded by today,” said Bridgewater. “We thought it was fitting that we return to our origins for this milestone celebration.”
Morrison acknowledged the mission and impact of the organization over its 35-year history, and presided over the election of new board members. Bridgewater reported on the progress and accomplishments of the past year, sharing highlights from the 2022 Annual Report, which include:
· Broke ground on the Bellows Falls Garage building, adding 27 new homes to the downtown, into which residents are now moving in;
· Advancement of new construction projects through the design and permitting process, which will add 25 new homes in Windsor Village and 25 new homes in Putney Village;
· Extensive rehab of 7 of WWHT’s earliest buildings, a combined 26 units in Brattleboro and Windsor, tightening efficiencies & accessibility, and upgrading systems;
· Addition of 9 new Shared Equity Homes, that will remain affordable in perpetuity;
· Launch of a new pilot SASH For All program, modeled after the traditional SASH program, providing health and wellness focused support to families where they live;
· In partnership with the Root Social Justice Center, the creation of a BIPOC-centered Homebuyer Affinity Group.
“From our earliest days 35 years ago, this organization has been focused on preservation of homes and history,” said Bridgewater. “These early themes in our work – preserving and strengthening neighborhoods while stabilizing people’s lives by improving living conditions and increasing housing opportunities are the same through lines that are still recognizable today. We are tremendously proud of the progress we’ve made this year.”
New members elected to the board include Anne Chapman, a resident from Putney Landing; David Vandervert, a resident from Clark Street; community member Joan Weir; and Emmett Dunbar, a public interest member. Outgoing board member Denny Frehsee was recognized for his longstanding contributions, and retiring development consultant Jeff Kantor was recognized for his years of collaboration with the Windham & Windsor Housing Trust in the development and funding of affordable housing projects.
Connie Snow (left), Elizabeth Bridgewater (right), and members of Vermont Housing Conservation Board Gus Seelig and Pollaidh Major
Preceding and following the formal agenda, attendees enjoyed music from Brattleboro-based DiTrani Brothers, food and family-friendly activities, as well as a homeownership booth, a SASH For All station, a display of the portrait project created with residents and the River Gallery School, and a photo collage of WWHT’s 35 years of housing development.
The WWHT 2022 Annual Report can be accessed online at www.homemattershere.org.
WWHT is a mission-driven non-profit organization, established 35 years ago in response to increasing threats to the region’s supply of affordable housing. We build concrete solutions to the region’s housing challenges, and provide better housing opportunities to more than 1,500 Southeastern Vermonters each year.
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We had a wonderful time celebrating 35 years with community members and residents. Please enjoy some photography we captured of the evening in the event and at our photo booth (credit to Justin Altman Photography).
