Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley’s Grace Avenue project is the culmination of collaboration between Eagle County Schools (ECS) and Habitat. The 12-home project will house 29 children. Six of the 12 families are employed by ECS. On Thursday, September 16, the community is invited to celebrate the families who have found home with a home dedication ceremony, home tours and key presentation.
“The partnership betw
een Eagle County Schools and Habitat has allowed me to become a future homeowner in such a beautiful area. This truly, makes me feel they look out for the community and are willing to help whenever it’s possible. I am very thankful to work and be part of ECS. They provide my children’s education and now the land where our home (was) built. Thank you Habitat for Humanity, ECS and everyone else that contributes to making our dream into a reality,” shared one homeowner.
The community is strong on Grace Avenue, with families looking out for each other. The homes provide more than a physical location; they provide safety and security, as well as a sense of peace. For more than 25 years, Habitat Vail Valley has been proud to work in partnership with families, building strong foundations for future generations.
“Every person who finds housing stability provides a benefit to the community. Through our partnerships, we’re helping build community infrastructure; together we’re able to make positive change,” says Emily Peyton, director of special projects with Habitat Vail Valley. “We were excited to break ground on our 100th home earlier this summer, and now we’re thrilled to finish the 12 homes on Grace Avenue and expand our partnerships with Eagle County Schools.”
Nationwide there is an affordable housing crisis and it’s no different here in Eagle County. Housing is considered “affordable” if it consumes less than 30% of a household’s total income—oftentimes two figures that aren’t even in the same ballpark. Habitat Vail Valley ensures families can afford their monthly home payments, setting up them up for a brighter future.
Part of a bright future is ensuring families can live where they work: Educators are in high demand and it’s imperative they have the opportunity to live where they teach.
“We are extremely grateful for the work Habitat for Humanity does throughout our community. They create innovative approaches to the continued housing challenges we are faced with. Promoting affordable housing helps us with recruiting and retention of high-quality team members in our district,” says ECS Superintendent Philip Qualman.
A home aids in the mental and physical well-being of all family members—from fewer school absences to less stress.
The homes built on Grace Avenue come as a result of strong strategic partnerships: GPS Design and Architecture provided all architectural services, Eagle County Schools donated the land, Encore Electric provided materials and staffing for electrical in the homes, Beck Building Company providing estimating and construction services over the 3-year project, Gallegos donated time and materials for bathroom vanities and kitchen counters in 11 of the 12 homes, Green Sky Insulation gave insulation for homes and Wear Travers Perkins provides legal counsel. There are numerous companies that are committed to Habitat Vail Valley’s mission to provide decent, affordable homes to hardworking local families. For all the contributors, we are grateful.
To enhance the fabric of our community, we will work together and think creatively to find new ways to increase housing stock. We’ll work to find solutions that foster continuity for our workforce and stability for our community but the work cannot be done in a vacuum; it requires the collective efforts of many of us. Please join us in being part of the solution.
Please come celebrate with us Thursday, September 16.
If You Go:
What: Celebration of Home | Home Dedication | Home Tours | Key Presentation
Where: Grace Avenue in Gypsum (park at Red Hill Elementary School please)
When: Thursday, September 16, 4 to 6 p.m.
More information: www.HabitatVailalley.org or to RSVP caitlinpauls@habitatvailvalley.org.