Eight sources of funds totaling $6.2 million will help construct 25 new affordable rental units for seniors in Vergennes.
"This is exactly the kind of housing we should be building — not only does it meet the significant need for quality and affordable senior housing, but it does it in a very energy efficient manner," U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders says.
"This project is much more than housing. It brings the elderly of the entire surrounding community together in their own senior center and enables them to continue to participate actively in the life of the community."
Sanders was joined by VHFA Executive Director Sarah Carpenter (right) and VHFA Commissioners Jennifer Hollar (second from right) and Gus Seelig (third from right) in breaking ground on the project June 27.
The project will be equipped with Energy Star lighting and appliances to reduce cost of ownership and the impact of these homes on the environment. It'll include solar panels and wood pellet boilers, to be supplied by local pellet manufacturers.
More than 40 households have already signed-up for the 25 apartments.