Affordable Housing Increases Stability

This summer, the HV Connections team at Housing Vermont conducted a brief survey in some of ACCT's affordable apartments to get a better sense of residents' needs and wishes.  One of their most striking findings was that 82% of respondents reported their housing situation was more stable than it was three years ago.  55% reported being more financially stable than three years ago.

While the survey certainly bore out improvements to residents' housing security, challenges remain for some families.  Most notably, 60% of respondents reported that they cannot afford access to the internet at home, and 55% reported some difficulty covering monthly expenses.  

Food access was another area where some residents reported challenges.  Four of five residents at this particular property participate in the 3 Squares program, and 3/4 reported accessing food pantries.  Positively, 3/4 also said they were interested in and would participate in a community garden.  ACCT and Housing Vermont are exploring ways to move forward with this idea to continue to improve quality of life at the property.  

Overall, residents were generally very positive about this affordable housing community.  Four in five agreed with the statement, "People in this community care about keeping it clean, safe, and making it a good place to live."  100% feel safe in the community, and 82% said they believe they have a say in making this community a good place to live.