Building Hope: A Sustainable Cooperative Housing Solution
for Vermonters Experiencing Homelessness
Our Vision: To create a supportive and empowering community of resident-owned homes, offering a pathway out of homelessness and fostering lasting stability for individuals in Vermont.
The Need: Many Vermonters face significant barriers to securing stable housing, including economic hardship, mental health challenges, and past struggles. “Building Hope” offers a unique solution that goes beyond emergency shelter, providing long-term, dignified housing and a sense of belonging.
Our Solution: Cooperative Living
“Building Hope” will establish small, self-governing cooperative communities. Residents will contribute 30% of their monthly income towards housing costs and actively participate in the community’s upkeep and decision-making. This model fosters:
* Empowerment: Residents have a stake in their community and a voice in its governance.
* Affordability: Cooperative ownership helps to keep housing costs sustainable.
* Support: Integrated support services and a strong sense of community promote well-being.
Cost-Effective Housing:
To maximize donor impact, “Building Hope” will utilize innovative and cost-effective housing solutions:
* Prefabricated A-Frame Homes: We will leverage modular A-frame home kits, similar to those available on platforms like AliExpress (estimated cost around $14,250 per unit
These homes offer a balance of affordability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.
* Land Acquisition: We will explore several avenues to minimize land costs:
* State or Federal Lands: Investigate the potential for acquiring suitable land owned by the state or federal government.
* Donations: Actively seek land donations from individuals or organizations.
* Bank Foreclosures: Explore opportunities to acquire foreclosed properties, potentially including farms.
* Eminent Domain (as a last resort): If local community resistance hinders the project, we may explore the possibility of the state utilizing eminent domain for a project of significant public benefit.
* Farm with Existing Barn: Prioritizing the acquisition of a farm property with an existing barn structure could significantly reduce the cost of constructing a community center.
Community Features:
Each “Building Hope” community will include:
* Individual A-Frame Homes: Providing private and comfortable living spaces (see Image 2 for a potential interior view).
* Shared Community Center: A central gathering space for meetings, social activities, and support services (potentially utilizing an existing barn structure on a donated farm).
* On-site Support Services: Tailored to meet the diverse needs of residents, including:
* For those with substance use disorders: Access to drug and alcohol counseling and support groups (as outlined in the “Project Hope” document).
* For those with mental health struggles: Ensuring medication compliance and continued mental health treatment (as outlined in the “Project Hope” document).
* For those facing economic barriers: Job training and financial responsibility courses (as outlined in the “Project Hope” document).
* Buddy System: New residents will be paired with established residents for peer support and guidance (as outlined in the “Project Hope” document).
* Sustainable Infrastructure:
* Solar Farm: To offset energy costs and promote sustainability (estimated cost: $50,000 - $100,000, depending on size and capacity).
* Heat Pump Systems: For efficient heating and cooling (estimated cost: $5,000 - $10,000 per unit, installed).
* Well and Leaching Field: For independent water and wastewater management (estimated cost: $50,000 - $75,000 for the community).
* Potential for Shared Amenities: Community gardens, workshops, or other resources
Iden based on resident needs and available land.
Identifying and Integrating Residents:
Our approach to identifying residents prioritizes those demonstrating a commitment to positive change, as detailed in the “Project Hope” guidelines:
* Chronic Homelessness (Substance Use): Individuals showing willingness to change through counseling and support group participation.
* Homelessness due to Mental Health: Individuals committed to medication and ongoing treatment.
* Homelessness due to Economic Factors: Individuals participating in job training and financial literacy programs.
New residents will be paired with established community members to foster a supportive environment and facilitate integration.
* Phased Integration: New residents will initially participate in community activities and meetings, gradually taking on more responsibilities as they become comfortable.
* Community Building Activities: Regular community meals, workshops, and social events will foster connection and belonging.
* Conflict Resolution: A defined process will be established for addressing disputes, including mediation and community meetings.
* Exit Strategy: “Building Hope” will support residents in transitioning to independent housing when they are ready, providing resources and referrals.
After a year of successful participation, residents will go before the cooperative board, made up of members of the community, who will make the ultimate decision whether that individual will be offered a home in the community, those turned away will be provided financial assistance in obtaining housing, e.g. first, last months rent.
* Service Provider Partnerships: “Building Hope” will partner with local organizations like ANEW Place, COTS, Champlain Housing Trust, and Spectrum Youth and Family Services to provide comprehensive support services.
* Service Coordination: A designated case manager will coordinate services for each resident, ensuring their individual needs are met.
* Measuring Success: The effectiveness of support services will be evaluated through regular resident assessments and tracking of key outcomes (e.g., housing stability, employment, well-being).
Financial Sustainability:
To ensure the long-term viability of “Building Hope,” we’ve developed a preliminary financial model:
Estimated Cost Per Unit:
* Prefab Home Kit: $14,250
* Foundation: $7,000
* Interior Finishing: $8,000
* Heat Pump System: $7,500
* Proportional Share of Well/Leaching Field (13 units): $5,000
* Total Estimated Cost Per Unit: $41,750
Community Infrastructure Costs (Shared):
* Solar Farm: $75,000
* Community Center (Barn Renovation): $50,000 (estimated)
Financing Assumptions:
* Loan Interest Rate: 4%
* Loan Term: 30 years
Estimated Monthly Mortgage Payment Per Unit:
• Assuming the unit cost is financed over 30 years at 4%, the estimated monthly mortgage payment per unit would be approximately $200.
Resident Financial Contribution:
* Residents contribute 30% of their monthly income towards housing costs.
* This contribution covers the mortgage payment, ongoing maintenance, and operational expenses.
* For example, if a resident earns $1,000 per month, their contribution would be $300.
* This contribution is designed to be affordable while fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.
Detailed Operating Budget (Annual Estimates):
* Property Taxes: $500 - $1,000 per unit (depending on location)
* Insurance: $800 per unit (property and liability)
* Utilities: $600 per unit (supplemental to solar)
* Maintenance and Repairs: 2% of unit value per year
* Staffing Costs: $80,000 (for case manager and part-time support)
I submitted my proposal to CHITTEDEN COUNTY State Representative Bram Klepner, Senator Sanders and Rebbeca Balant. So far it's in the Vermont State Housing Committee, seeking funding and land grants. I am a homeless person living in Burlington and love your project, which makes sense. I've appealed to many agencies for housing, and finally achieved temporary housing through CVOEO, a wonderful organization. You can direct email me for more specifics of my plan, which was edited to fit in your comments section, to include pictures of the manufactured homes and more in depth financials . diesellawloretto@gmail.com
Also see https://nextdoor.com/p/Z-SnfLRWjLxp?utm_source=share&extras=MTExMzcwMjE1&ne_link_preview_links=&utm_campaign=1756386483362&share_action_id=3d00a88a-fd34-4cc2-b008-182e642039ed
Contact me directly at diesellawloretto@gmail.com I'll send you my full proposal
Please contact me at diesellawloretto@gmail.com
Sounds similar to my program, see below:
Building Hope: A Sustainable Cooperative Housing Solution
for Vermonters Experiencing Homelessness
Our Vision: To create a supportive and empowering community of resident-owned homes, offering a pathway out of homelessness and fostering lasting stability for individuals in Vermont.
The Need: Many Vermonters face significant barriers to securing stable housing, including economic hardship, mental health challenges, and past struggles. “Building Hope” offers a unique solution that goes beyond emergency shelter, providing long-term, dignified housing and a sense of belonging.
Our Solution: Cooperative Living
“Building Hope” will establish small, self-governing cooperative communities. Residents will contribute 30% of their monthly income towards housing costs and actively participate in the community’s upkeep and decision-making. This model fosters:
* Empowerment: Residents have a stake in their community and a voice in its governance.
* Affordability: Cooperative ownership helps to keep housing costs sustainable.
* Support: Integrated support services and a strong sense of community promote well-being.
Cost-Effective Housing:
To maximize donor impact, “Building Hope” will utilize innovative and cost-effective housing solutions:
* Prefabricated A-Frame Homes: We will leverage modular A-frame home kits, similar to those available on platforms like AliExpress (estimated cost around $14,250 per unit
These homes offer a balance of affordability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.
* Land Acquisition: We will explore several avenues to minimize land costs:
* State or Federal Lands: Investigate the potential for acquiring suitable land owned by the state or federal government.
* Donations: Actively seek land donations from individuals or organizations.
* Bank Foreclosures: Explore opportunities to acquire foreclosed properties, potentially including farms.
* Eminent Domain (as a last resort): If local community resistance hinders the project, we may explore the possibility of the state utilizing eminent domain for a project of significant public benefit.
* Farm with Existing Barn: Prioritizing the acquisition of a farm property with an existing barn structure could significantly reduce the cost of constructing a community center.
Community Features:
Each “Building Hope” community will include:
* Individual A-Frame Homes: Providing private and comfortable living spaces (see Image 2 for a potential interior view).
* Shared Community Center: A central gathering space for meetings, social activities, and support services (potentially utilizing an existing barn structure on a donated farm).
* On-site Support Services: Tailored to meet the diverse needs of residents, including:
* For those with substance use disorders: Access to drug and alcohol counseling and support groups (as outlined in the “Project Hope” document).
* For those with mental health struggles: Ensuring medication compliance and continued mental health treatment (as outlined in the “Project Hope” document).
* For those facing economic barriers: Job training and financial responsibility courses (as outlined in the “Project Hope” document).
* Buddy System: New residents will be paired with established residents for peer support and guidance (as outlined in the “Project Hope” document).
* Sustainable Infrastructure:
* Solar Farm: To offset energy costs and promote sustainability (estimated cost: $50,000 - $100,000, depending on size and capacity).
* Heat Pump Systems: For efficient heating and cooling (estimated cost: $5,000 - $10,000 per unit, installed).
* Well and Leaching Field: For independent water and wastewater management (estimated cost: $50,000 - $75,000 for the community).
* Potential for Shared Amenities: Community gardens, workshops, or other resources
Iden based on resident needs and available land.
Identifying and Integrating Residents:
Our approach to identifying residents prioritizes those demonstrating a commitment to positive change, as detailed in the “Project Hope” guidelines:
* Chronic Homelessness (Substance Use): Individuals showing willingness to change through counseling and support group participation.
* Homelessness due to Mental Health: Individuals committed to medication and ongoing treatment.
* Homelessness due to Economic Factors: Individuals participating in job training and financial literacy programs.
New residents will be paired with established community members to foster a supportive environment and facilitate integration.
* Phased Integration: New residents will initially participate in community activities and meetings, gradually taking on more responsibilities as they become comfortable.
* Community Building Activities: Regular community meals, workshops, and social events will foster connection and belonging.
* Conflict Resolution: A defined process will be established for addressing disputes, including mediation and community meetings.
* Exit Strategy: “Building Hope” will support residents in transitioning to independent housing when they are ready, providing resources and referrals.
After a year of successful participation, residents will go before the cooperative board, made up of members of the community, who will make the ultimate decision whether that individual will be offered a home in the community, those turned away will be provided financial assistance in obtaining housing, e.g. first, last months rent.
* Service Provider Partnerships: “Building Hope” will partner with local organizations like ANEW Place, COTS, Champlain Housing Trust, and Spectrum Youth and Family Services to provide comprehensive support services.
* Service Coordination: A designated case manager will coordinate services for each resident, ensuring their individual needs are met.
* Measuring Success: The effectiveness of support services will be evaluated through regular resident assessments and tracking of key outcomes (e.g., housing stability, employment, well-being).
Financial Sustainability:
To ensure the long-term viability of “Building Hope,” we’ve developed a preliminary financial model:
Estimated Cost Per Unit:
* Prefab Home Kit: $14,250
* Foundation: $7,000
* Interior Finishing: $8,000
* Heat Pump System: $7,500
* Proportional Share of Well/Leaching Field (13 units): $5,000
* Total Estimated Cost Per Unit: $41,750
Community Infrastructure Costs (Shared):
* Solar Farm: $75,000
* Community Center (Barn Renovation): $50,000 (estimated)
Financing Assumptions:
* Loan Interest Rate: 4%
* Loan Term: 30 years
Estimated Monthly Mortgage Payment Per Unit:
• Assuming the unit cost is financed over 30 years at 4%, the estimated monthly mortgage payment per unit would be approximately $200.
Resident Financial Contribution:
* Residents contribute 30% of their monthly income towards housing costs.
* This contribution covers the mortgage payment, ongoing maintenance, and operational expenses.
* For example, if a resident earns $1,000 per month, their contribution would be $300.
* This contribution is designed to be affordable while fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.
Detailed Operating Budget (Annual Estimates):
* Property Taxes: $500 - $1,000 per unit (depending on location)
* Insurance: $800 per unit (property and liability)
* Utilities: $600 per unit (supplemental to solar)
* Maintenance and Repairs: 2% of unit value per year
* Staffing Costs: $80,000 (for case manager and part-time support)
* Administrative Costs: $20,000 (accounting, legal, etc.)
* Reserve Fund: 1% of unit value
* Total Estimated Annual Operating Costs: To be further determined upon feasibility study
Funding Strategy:
“Building Hope” will employ a diversified funding strategy:
* State Funding Programs:
* Vermont Housing Improvement Program (VHIP 2.0)
* Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB) programs (HOME, NHTF, ARPA-SFR)
* Federal Funding Programs:
* HUD Housing Opportunity Grant Program (HOP)
* Loan Programs:
* Vermont Community Loan Fund (VCLF)
* Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA)
* Philanthropic Foundations:
* Research and apply to relevant foundations in Vermont and beyond.
* Corporate Sponsorships:
* Seek partnerships with local businesses for in-kind donations and financial contributions.
* Individual Donations:
* Launch a capital campaign to engage community members and secure major gifts.
* Crowdfunding:
* Utilize online platforms to raise funds for specific projects or needs.
* Social Impact Investing:
* Explore opportunities to attract investors who prioritize both financial return and social impact.
Derek, I am not sure who you are, where you are located or where one goes to find information about your program on the web.
I submitted my proposal to CHITTEDEN COUNTY State Representative Bram Klepner, Senator Sanders and Rebbeca Balant. So far it's in the Vermont State Housing Committee, seeking funding and land grants. I am a homeless person living in Burlington and love your project, which makes sense. I've appealed to many agencies for housing, and finally achieved temporary housing through CVOEO, a wonderful organization. You can direct email me for more specifics of my plan, which was edited to fit in your comments section, to include pictures of the manufactured homes and more in depth financials . diesellawloretto@gmail.com