Next week, 38 people who are currently unhoused will start to move into new homes at Zephyr Place, a former hotel in Williston. And in a few months, an additional 34 affordable apartments will be ready in a second building at this same location.
“We purchased this property one year ago and we are excited that residents will soon be living in their new apartments at this great location. It’s so difficult for so many people to find any available homes, much less those affordable to low-wage workers or those who are unhoused,” said Michael Monte, CEO of Champlain Housing Trust.
Chittenden County’s vacancy rate was reported to be 0.4% in June, and three out of ten renters in the county pay more than 50% of their income on rent.
The Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB) provided funds for the purchase of the property, which was renamed Zephyr Place, with a combination of federal American Rescue Plan Act – State Fiscal Recovery (ARPA-SFR) and State of Vermont general funds appropriated by the Vermont State Legislature.
CHT is grateful to VHCB for supporting this effort, and for the Legislature and Governor for prioritizing housing in their last session.
Champlain Housing Trust will have an onsite property manager as well as resident services staff to support the new residents.