Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley celebrates 30 years, 146 homes with community celebration

Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley/Courtesy photo
The public is invited to celebrate Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley’s 30th anniversary and look to the future on Thursday, Jan. 16, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Eagle River Presbyterian Church in Avon.
Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley was founded in 1995 by a small group of passionate Eagle County residents who were inspired by President Jimmy Carter and his dedication to the power of community service.
Habitat Vail Valley has built 146 homes, helping 529 people on their journey to homeownership. And the nonprofit has big plans to expand its affordable homeownership program in Eagle County in 2025 and beyond, helping more people build a life on strong foundations.
Even 30 years ago, the housing crisis was at the forefront of many conversations, and Habitat built one home per year. That number grew to four, six and eventually eight annually. When remote workers flocked to the mountains during the COVID-19 pandemic and already expensive housing was pushed further out of reach for locals, the Habitat Vail Valley Board vowed to make a difference and over three years doubled its building capacity to 46 homes, with an $18 million investment in our community’s affordable housing infrastructure.
Over the next four years, Habitat Vail Valley plans to hit the 200-home mark for hardworking locals in the Vail Valley.

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“The past 30 years have led us to this point where we can offer creative solutions for building more homes in partnership with locals,” said John Welaj, Habitat’s president and CEO.
Habitat has historically built homes with the help of volunteers, discounted construction labor and staff. In 2024, Habitat completed a modular home pilot. Moving forward, Habitat will bring homes to market three ways: modular building, traditional stick-built and through 0% mortgage loans. Habitat will finance homes in Vail at Timber Ridge — a first for Habitat to offer homes just steps from the ski resort.
“We’re excited to be able to bring creative solutions to the affordable housing landscape,” said Elyse Howard, VP of philanthropy and community affairs. “From 2025 to 2029 we will build more than 50 homes. This year, we are poised to bring 30 homes to market — just in time for our 30th anniversary. We’re intent on retaining the community that is so vital to all of us.”
Please RSVP to caitlinpauls@habitatvailvalley.org if you’d like to attend Thursday’s celebration.