Every day we hear about the housing crisis—people are unable to put down roots here in Eagle County. As a result, the fabric of our community is unraveling. A home is a pathway to possibility. People who have a safe home do better in school, are more active in their community and are healthier overall.
Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley is dedicated being part of the housing solution in Eagle County, building homes in partnership with locals. We are accepting applications for homes to be built on Eagle’s 3rd Street. This is a partnership with Eagle County School District so educators, support staff and other ECSD employees are encouraged to apply.
In this pilot program, school district applicants came make up to 100% of the area median income—that’s $111,800 for a family of four. “Teachers are the backbone of our community. We want them to be able to live here long term, building a life and continuity for their families, and ours,” says Elyse Howard, director of development for Habitat Vail Valley.
To date, 100 families have partnered with Habitat and have a safe, affordable home. Habitat Vail Valley works with homeowners, providing an opportunity to be part of a community, build equity and own a safe, affordable home.
In addition, Habitat Vail Valley is accepting applications for non-district employee housing. To qualify, applicants must have a need for housing, currently live in substandard housing, earn 35% to 80% (between $39,000 and $89,440 for a family of four) of the area median income, have good credit, show the ability to pay for the home and have the willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley.
Habitat homeowners purchase the home through an affordable mortgage, In addition, each adult contributes 250 sweat equity hours. Our Family Services team partners with families, guiding them through the application process. As part of Habitat’s homeownership program, each family receives financial and first-time home buyer education. This ensures every first-time homeowner is set up for success as they transition from renting to owning—and building a strong foundation for families and the community.
How Does It Work?
After an application has been submitted, the information is reviewed by Habitat Vail Valley’s Selection Committee. There is one open application period annually and typically selects six to eight families during an application cycle. Applications are now available at habitatvailvalley.org/homeownership, at the Habitat Vail Valley office at 455 Nottingham Ranch Road in Avon or at the Habitat ReStore at 250 Lindbergh Drive in Gypsum. This year’s application deadline is September 15, 2022. For more information about Habitat Vail Valley’s homeownership program, call the Habitat office at 970.748.6718 or email familyservices@habitatvailvalley.org
Habitat for Humanity is the only organization in Eagle County that has built permanently affordable homes every year for the past 26 years. Since our founding in 1995, we have built homes for more than 350 children. We have a proven track record of building homes and stewarding families through the process of becoming homeowners in Eagle County.
Habitat Vail Valley is provides an equal housing opportunity.