Background Statement
In 1995, a group of citizens formed Habitat for Humanity of Eagle and Lake Counties. Twenty-eight years later, Habitat Vail Valley has worked with many hardworking locals, partnering to build permanently affordable housing.
We work with families in need, to guarantee an affordable mortgage that is no more than 30% of their gross income.
Habitat homeowners are educators, law enforcement officers, tradespeople, healthcare, grocery store and resort employees who make Eagle County a vibrant place to live. However, homeownership is less attainable in 2023 than it has ever been. In communities where workforce housing was already scarce, the influx of remote workers pushed homeownership further out of reach of our local workforce, decimating available stock.
Habitat Vail Valley has made a commitment: To partner to do more, to do better, to build better lives and communities. Going from building a few homes per year to four to six to eight—to pledging 24 housing starts in 2023. In 2022, the Habitat Board led with both their expertise and their hearts and committed to this audacious aspirational goal. With the help of many partners, we are on track to triple the number of homes built compared to the previous year. But for us, it’s not just a number. Every house holds hopes and dreams. Every home represents a path forward; goals achieved and opportunities for the next generation. One young girl had her dreams come true in December. She always longed for a staircase. To her, maybe it means she’s climbing her way to a better life. Or maybe it just means she has a home, a cozy space with a staircase that leads to her very own bedroom. In 2022 we set aspirational goals— in 2023, we set about achieving them with Habitat homeowners.
In 2022-24, we will build 40 homes and recycle six; doubling the number of homes we built between 2020-2022.
We’re energized and invigorated for the future. Join us on the journey to building a stronger community.