The Champlain Housing Trust (CHT) is a finalist for the World Habitat Awards, sponsored by the Building and Social Housing Foundation, an international organization dedicated to innovation in affordable housing.
The awards are given as part of the United Nations' World Habitat Day and recognize "practical and innovative solutions to current housing needs and problems." Two staff members from the U.K.-based foundation will visit Vermont next week.
CHT's Community Land Trust model was selected as a finalist because of the way it brings housing opportunity to low- and moderate-income households while creating homes that are permanently affordable.
CHT is the only organization in the United States, and one of only two in North America, to be a finalist for this year's World Habitat Award.
"We are thrilled to receive this attention for our work," said Brenda Torpy, CHT CEO. "We are excited to show the judges just how effective our model of affordable housing is."
The visit begins April 9 and runs through April 11. On the schedule are meetings with the Mayors of Burlington and St. Albans, conversations at the homes of several CHT residents, a reception hosted by past and present Board members, a breakfast with local institutional and developer partners, and tours of housing in the region.
Representatives from NeighborWorks America's Boston office will participate in the site visit to provide the judges with an understanding of how CHT's work has inspired innovation nationwide. Leaders at statewide organizations such as the Vermont Housing Finance Agency and the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board will also take part in the three-day site visit.
"The community land trust model pioneered by Champlain Housing Trust provides permanent affordability and has become a cornerstone of Vermont's affordable housing policy. Working in cooperation with countless partners for more than 20 years, CHT has helped prove the model and bring it to scale," explained Gus Seelig of the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board. "This international achievement is a testament to all who have worked for and supported the innovative housing policies that enrich our communities."
"Champlain Housing Trust is an indispensible partner in Vermont's affordable housing effort," said VHFA Executive Director Sarah Carpenter. "Brenda and her staff have been exceptionally creative and dedicated for many years, and the benefits of all that hard work have been bestowed upon thousands of Vermonters and their families."
"We have had tremendous community support to build this model, and this recognition is one in which the broader community should be proud," said Torpy.
For more information about the World Habitat Awards, visit www.worldhabitatawards.org. Visit www.champlainhousingtrust.org for more information about CHT.