Addison Housing Works Secures Over $3.75 Million to Preserve Homes and Strengthen Community Infrastructure

We’re excited to share some big news: Addison Housing Works has been awarded more than $3.75 million in funding to preserve affordable housing and invest in critical infrastructure across Addison County. These awards will help ensure long-term housing stability for seniors and manufactured home residents while protecting affordability for years to come.

Preserving Affordable Senior Housing in Vergennes

Sarah Phillips, Director of Housing & Community Facilities Programs, Vermont Community Loan Fund and Elise Shanbacker, Executive Director, Addison Housing Works

In December 2025, Addison Housing Works received major funding commitments to support the acquisition and preservation of Valley View Apartments, a low-income senior housing community in Vergennes.

The Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) awarded $2,063,063 to support the purchase of the property and maintain its long-term affordability. In addition, the Vermont Community Loan Fund (VCLF) committed a $500,000 low-interest social impact loan, designed specifically to support mission-driven affordable housing preservation.

Together, these investments will allow Valley View Apartments to remain an affordable, stable home for senior residents, helping prevent displacement and ensuring the property continues to serve the community well into the future.

“Preserving existing affordable homes is one of the most effective tools we have to address the housing crisis,” said Elise Shanbacker, Executive Director of Addison Housing Works. “These investments allow us to stabilize housing for seniors in Vergennes and prevent displacement when properties change hands.”

Investing in Safe, Reliable Infrastructure at Hillside Manor

AHW also secured $1.2 million through a Congressionally Directed Spending award to fund much-needed water and wastewater system upgrades at Hillside Manor, a manufactured housing community in Starksboro.

The funding—awarded through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund—will support critical improvements to aging infrastructure, helping protect public health and ensure residents have safe, reliable water and wastewater systems.

This earmark was championed by Senator Peter Welch, in partnership with Senator Bernie Sanders, and was signed into law in January 2026.

“Infrastructure upgrades like these are essential to keeping manufactured home communities viable and affordable, particularly in rural Vermont,” Shanbacker said. “This investment will make a lasting difference for residents.”

Building Momentum for Housing Stability Across Addison County

Taken together, these funding awards reflect growing momentum at the local, state, and federal levels to preserve affordable housing and invest in resilient community infrastructure throughout Addison County.

We’re deeply grateful to VHCB, VCLF, Vermont’s congressional delegation, and our many public and private partners for their continued commitment to housing stability and affordability. Their support makes it possible for Addison Housing Works to continue advancing our mission, and to ensure more of our neighbors have a safe, affordable place to call home.