The Champlain Housing Trust (CHT) is a nonprofit organization based in Burlington, Vermont, that provides affordable housing solutions to low-income individuals and families. Founded in 1984, CHT has grown to become one of the largest community land trusts in the United States, with a portfolio of over 2,500 affordable homes. The organization's mission is to create and preserve affordable housing, as well as provide related services and support to help residents achieve economic stability and self-sufficiency.
History and Development
CHT was established in response to the growing need for affordable housing in the Burlington area. In the early 1980s, the city was experiencing a severe shortage of affordable housing, with many low-income residents facing displacement and homelessness. A group of local activists, community leaders, and housing advocates came together to form CHT, with the goal of creating a new model for affordable housing that would prioritize community control and resident ownership. Over the years, CHT has expanded its services and programs to include not only affordable housing development but also resident support services, such as financial counseling, job training, and education.
Affordable Housing Models
CHT uses a variety of affordable housing models to achieve its mission, including the community land trust (CLT) model. The CLT model allows CHT to acquire and hold land for the benefit of the community, while leasing the land to residents who purchase the homes built on it. This approach helps to keep housing costs affordable, as residents only pay for the value of the home itself, rather than the land. CHT also uses other models, such as rental housing and shared equity homeownership, to provide affordable housing options to a range of income levels and household types.
| Housing Model | Number of Units | Average Rent/Price |
|---|---|---|
| Community Land Trust | 1,200 | $120,000 - $180,000 |
| Rental Housing | 800 | $800 - $1,200/month |
| Shared Equity Homeownership | 500 | $150,000 - $250,000 |
Resident Support Services
CHT provides a range of resident support services to help residents achieve economic stability and self-sufficiency. These services include financial counseling, job training, and education, as well as access to community resources and amenities. CHT also partners with local organizations to provide additional services, such as mental health counseling and childcare. The organization’s resident support services are designed to help residents overcome barriers to success, such as poverty, lack of education, and limited job opportunities.
Financial Counseling and Planning
CHT’s financial counseling and planning services help residents to manage their finances, reduce debt, and build savings. The organization’s financial counselors work with residents to create personalized financial plans, which may include budgeting, credit repair, and savings strategies. CHT also offers financial education workshops and classes, which cover topics such as credit management, investing, and retirement planning.
- One-on-one financial counseling sessions
- Financial education workshops and classes
- Access to financial planning tools and resources
- Assistance with budgeting and credit repair
Community Engagement and Partnerships
CHT is committed to community engagement and partnerships, recognizing that affordable housing is only one part of the solution to addressing poverty and inequality. The organization works with local community groups, businesses, and government agencies to advocate for policies and programs that support affordable housing and community development. CHT also partners with other organizations to provide additional services and resources to residents, such as job training, education, and healthcare.
Partnerships and Collaborations
CHT has established partnerships with a range of organizations, including local community groups, businesses, and government agencies. These partnerships help to leverage resources and expertise, and to promote a more comprehensive approach to addressing poverty and inequality. Some of CHT’s key partners include the City of Burlington, the State of Vermont, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
- City of Burlington: CHT works with the City to develop and implement affordable housing policies and programs.
- State of Vermont: CHT partners with the State to access funding and resources for affordable housing development and resident support services.
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): CHT works with HUD to access funding and technical assistance for affordable housing development and resident support services.
What is the Champlain Housing Trust, and what is its mission?
+The Champlain Housing Trust (CHT) is a nonprofit organization that provides affordable housing solutions to low-income individuals and families. Its mission is to create and preserve affordable housing, as well as provide related services and support to help residents achieve economic stability and self-sufficiency.
What types of affordable housing models does CHT use?
+CHT uses a variety of affordable housing models, including the community land trust (CLT) model, rental housing, and shared equity homeownership. These models help to keep housing costs affordable, while also providing residents with access to supportive services and resources.
What types of resident support services does CHT provide?
+CHT provides a range of resident support services, including financial counseling, job training, and education, as well as access to community resources and amenities. These services help residents to overcome barriers to success, such as poverty, lack of education, and limited job opportunities.
