WEST FAIRLEE— The application window for a modular home in West Fairlee owned by Upper Valley Habitat for Humanity closed last Friday, bringing an end to the current cycle for families seeking affordable housing through the organization.
Upper Valley Habitat for Humanity has constructed around 40 homes as of this year, according to Executive Director Ashley Andreas. Ten applications were submitted for the West Fairlee property, she said.
Andreas said she was surprised at the small application pool, given the housing scarcity in the area. With only 10 submissions, she feels confident that one of the families will be “perfect for this home.”
The Vermod modular home was previously located in Montpelier but was moved to West Fairlee after being purchased by Upper Valley Habitat for Humanity. It was renovated with updates to the heating and cooling systems and is in the final stages of tiling and painting, according to the Andreas.
Following the close of the application window, the focus is on reviewing applicants and assisting them with paperwork, according to Andreas. In collaboration with Down Street Housing and Community Development, a Barre, Vt.-based affordable housing nonprofit, families are evaluated on their income and financial needs before advancing to a second round of review, according to the website. Families then work with Down Street to take part in homebuyer education and mortgage counseling.
According to the Upper Valley Habitat for Humanity website, to be eligible to apply, families must meet specific situational and financial needs. Families must currently live in a housing situation that is inadequate or substandard, such as living with friends or family or in temporary housing. They must also be considered “cost-burdened,” with more than 30% of income going to rent.
Applicants also must be able to pay an affordable mortgage, according to the website, with household income falling between 50% to 80% of the HUD County Median income of Orange County. The estimated timeline from submission to move in is four months or longer, according the website.