Habitat for Humanity to break ground on 16 homes in Gypsum
Congressionally directed spending helps build more homes in Stratton Flats neighborhood
Vail Daily archive
Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley will break ground on 16 homes in Gypsum’s Stratton Flats neighborhood on Thursday, June 27. The homes represent a lifeline for many longtime locals, allowing them to continue to live and work in Eagle County.
The 16 homes are the culmination of Habitat Vail Valley’s three-year, $18 million strategic plan. Between 2022 and 2024, the organization built 46 homeownership opportunities — twice the on-average number from the past. Habitat received 144 applications for these 16 homes.
“We are finishing our $18 million investment in the affordable housing infrastructure of our community,” says Elyse Howard, director of development at Habitat Vail Valley. “The congressionally directed spending not only helped us reach our goal but shows the strong support and dire need for more affordable homeownership.”
After COVID-19, homeownership has become further out of reach across the country and especially here in Eagle County. In 2012, 838 homes sold for less than $500,000; by 2023 there were only 40 — eight of which were Habitat homes.
“More families are struggling, fewer homes are available for purchase and more people are being pushed out of their rental units. This has a devastating impact on our community,” Howard said. “It was with these facts that Habitat set the aspirational goal to build more homes in partnership with local businesses, families and government agencies.”
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This request was part of the Federal Funding Bill for fiscal year 2024 that passed in early March and has been signed into law by President Joe Biden. It will help more families move one step closer to the dream of homeownership.
Join Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley, its partners and the families who will help build their homes on Thursday, June 27, from 4-6 p.m. at Stratton Flats in Gypsum.
