Registration is now open for the Vermont Community Development Association Fall Conference, "Your Community Development Project & How To Make It Happen: Visioning, Structuring, & Completing."  The conference will be held at Castleton University on October 18th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature community leaders, business leaders, lenders, developers, and the 2016 Gubernatorial Candidates Sue Minter and Phil Scott.  

In addition to ACCT's single-family ownership program, which serves households earning up to 120% of Area Median Income by providing 20% downpayment grants up to $44,000, Habitat for Humanity is another great resource for Addison County residents seeking to own an affordable home.  While ACCT homebuyers must be able to secure their own financing by qualifying for a traditional mortgage & must find prospective homes at market prices, Habitat offers a unique alternative.  Buyers typically make 50-70% of Area Median Income, and both the homes and the mortgages are highly affordable--homes are built with volunteer labor and sold at cost, and no interest is charged on the house payments.    ​

For more info, see HFHAC's post on Front Porch Forum on how to attend one of their upcoming info sessions:

Come check out our model unit Wednesdays noon to 8pm and Saturdays 9am to 1pm!

Yesterday, two teams of volunteers helped out ACCT and our residents, and we couldn't be more grateful!  First, a crew visited with seniors at Armory Lane in Vergennes and helped wash their windows so residents can enjoy a sparkling property with a crystal clear view:

Then, another group went up to Brookside Park in Starksboro to rehabilitate the pumphouse for the park's water supply.  Here's what it looked like before:

And here's what it looked like after they were through with it!

Once again, thank you so much to all our hardworking volunteers, and to the United Way of Addison County for sponsoring this great event!

Yesterday, ACCT's senior property in Vergennes hosted a Stay Steady VT program where five Physical Therapists did a presentation for a group of 28 people, then did personalized Fall Risk Assessments for 24 people, including 20 SASH Participants.
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Stay Steady is one of SASH's most important events of the year.  Approximately 50 percent of all senior deaths begin with a fall, which can then lead to other negative health events and deterioration. Falling is not a normal part of aging, so licensed professionals doing risk assessments and sharing how each particular participant can reduce their personal risk is crucial to them remaining independent.