Habitat Vail Valley’s pilot modular project builds community, one family at a time
By Emily Peyton, Director of Special Projects, Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley
Every project Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley builds holds a place in my heart. Watching strangers come together to build neighborhoods and community is so inspiring. Building a home provides a solid foundation and strengthens our community.
The development at Adam’s Way is possible because of the believers, the dreamers and the partners. Eagle County School District donated this land; 12 of the 16 new homeowners work in the school district. Eagle County and the State of Colorado each contributed significant funding. This development is all electric and we received a Community Energy Systems grant from Holy Cross Electric as well as technical support. The Town of Eagle facilitated a grant to fund infrastructure. We’re beyond grateful for the support and for the organizations who see the value in building community with Habitat Vail Valley.
Adam’s Way in Eagle has been a labor of love. This project, through hard work, perseverance and partnerships, is a reality. It was a bit more than a year ago that we broke ground on these 16 homes. At that time, I was overwhelmed with emotion, excitement and gratitude. This month, as the homeowners who dreamed, worked and built their homes will move in and we host a home dedication, I am no less awed.
It is truly an honor to be part of this development — Habitat’s pilot modular project. It’s surreal to see this project go from an idea to a vision to a reality.
It’s a privilege to get to work with each and every partner, volunteer, family, homeowner and contractor. Each of the supporters on this project are the believers.
Believers who give their passion, time and know-how to helping others.
Believers who know that no matter how big the problem, a small group of people can work together to create positive change.
Believers who know that we’re all in this life together and collectively we are stronger — we are better.
I’m grateful for everyone who is a believer, helping make this project come to life.
There is one believer who is no longer with us but was an integral part of our Habitat family from the very beginning. He very much continues to be a guiding light and force in this community – Adam Palmer. And if you ask Habitat human resource director, Kalie Palmer, she’d probably say he was a little bit too much of a believer and dreamer, which could cause him to get into a little mischief.
We should all probably live our lives a little more Adam’s way. If we do, the world will continue to be a better place because of him.
For this reason, we have named the drive off of Third Street in Eagle “Adam’s Way Road” in honor of Adam and the legacy he left and continues to leave on this community. We’re all better because of Adam.
If you’re going to do anything big, you must believe it can happen. Well, we did it, and Adam, this one is for you. And we’re not done yet. Let’s keep believing and dreaming big.
We are always ready to welcome more believers to the Habitat family. We invite any of you who want to make a difference — who believe, dream and build — to learn more about Habitat Vail Valley by joining us at the Home Dedication Thursday, August 15 at 4 p.m. You will witness lives transformed. You will see teachers, tradespeople, resort workers — essential employees — who were on the verge of moving away, giving up their jobs and giving up on their dreams instead stay and thrive here at home. These people helped build their homes; they help build community; they add to the vibrancy of this community. They are now able to stay in Eagle County because of these homes.
Emily Peyton is Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley’s director of special projects. She is the project manager for this development and has been integral in bringing this pilot project to fruition.