Building the story of home is a labor of love. On July 29, Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley will celebrate this story with eight new Habitat families as they break ground on the organization’s 100th home. This journey of homeownership is a dream come true for families.
“Three years ago we launched a robust strategic plan to increase our home building capacity and break ground on our organization’s hundredth home in 2021. Thanks to our partners, volunteers and supporters, we’ve achieved this important milestone,” says John Welaj, executive director. “Our goal is to continue moving forward, increasing access to decent affordable homeownership opportunities for Eagle County families.”
As part of habitat’s homeownership program, each family receives financial and first-time home buyer education. This ensures every homeowner is set up for success as they transition from renting to owning, building self-sufficiency.
In today’s challenging housing market, an affordable and stable home can feel more like an unattainable dream than a realistic goal. Vail Resorts’ EpicPromise program has been a steadfast supporter of Habitat Vail Valley, to help grow capacity to serve the community for years to come.
“Vail Resorts is proud to support our mountain communities,” shares Gary Shimanowitz, Habitat Vail Valley board member and vice president of operations at Beaver Creek. “We believe in Habitat’s vision and are pleased to help increase homeownership opportunities in Eagle County; the Vail Valley chapter’s ability to execute on such a significant amount of homes has changed lives for local residents and their ability to stay in the valley. Through our partnerships like the one with Habitat, Vail Resorts helps ensure our communities thrive.”
July 29 is a day to celebrate the 100 families served to date through Habitat’s homeownership program and the community which made this possible. Join in the festivities: ice cream provided by Sundae and Habitat families will meet their new neighbors as they start on their journey to homeownership.
About Habitat Vail Valley
Adults in the families who are selected to become Habitat homeowners commit to volunteering a minimum of 250 hours. Along the way, they learn about the construction process, tenacity in completing their goals and meeting new neighbors and friends.
“I remember going every Saturday and working with the staff and volunteers building our home. I was able to meet people that would work hard on our home. Working with Habitat and the volunteers made a difference in my family’s life,” says a current Habitat homeowner.
Habitat for Humanity is the only organization in Eagle County that has built permanently affordable homes every year for the past 26 years. Since the founding in 1995, Habitat Vail Valley has provided housing stability for more than 350 children.
The application process is open from July 1 through September 30, 2021, for the next round of housing. To learn about becoming a Habitat homeowner call the Habitat office at 970-748-6718 or visit www.HabitatVailValley.org/own-a-home.
If You Go:
What: 100th Home Celebration
When: Thursday, July 29, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Nighthawk Circle, Stratton Flats in Gypsum
Everyone is welcome and encouraged to celebrate community.