Champlain Housing Trust Representatives Accept World Habitat Award at United Nations Ceremony in Angola

Champlain Housing Trust Representatives Accept
World Habitat Award at United Nations Ceremony in Angola
BURLINGTON, VT - Two representatives from the Champlain Housing Trust accepted a World Habitat Award today at UN-HABITAT's global celebration of World Habitat Day in Luanda, Angola. The award, presented by the Building and Social Housing Foundation in conjunction with the UN agency, recognizes the Housing Trust's permanently affordable housing programs as innovative, sustainable and transferable.
"This is a significant achievement for all of who have worked hard to create housing opportunity for Vermonters and for everyone across the country that has advanced the community land trust model," said Brenda Torpy, Champlain Housing Trust CEO. "We all know there is more work to do, but in this time of great financial upheaval in this country and around the globe, our model in Vermont is being recognized as durable, sustainable and one that other communities can emulate."
Torpy is accompanied on the trip to Angola by Richard Kemp, a Board member and a resident of Champlain Housing Trust housing. "I am honored to represent more than 2,100 CHT residents in accepting this award on their behalf," he added. "This recognition also confirms that community-based organizations are the ones that really succeed."
The Champlain Housing Trust was selected as a winner by the Building and Social Housing Foundation, which has made the Awards in concert with UN-HABITAT each year for over 20 years. The Housing Trust was chosen for its innovative shared-equity homeownership program. The program creates homeownership opportunity where none existed before, and uses a one-time infusion of public and private funds to make a home affordable forever.
Vermont's Congressional delegation offered their congratulations to the Champlain Housing Trust on Monday.
"When I was mayor of Burlington, I thought the concept of a community land trust made a whole lot of sense and could be very effective," Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) said. "I never thought it would be as enormously successful as it has been and a model emulated throughout the world, showing how to establish both home ownership and perpetually housing. In the face of the sub-prime mortgage and foreclosure crisis, the Champlain Housing Trust has proven to us that there is a better way."
Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) added, "Brenda and Richard are showing the world Champlain Housing Trust's approach to combating the difficult socio-economic challenge of ensuring every human being has access to a safe, affordable home. The award is a great recognition. I hope the energy and creativity of Champlain Housing Trust's delegation to Angola inspires communities across the world to embrace this proven model."
"This international award is a testament to the incredibly effective work of the Champlain Housing Trust in creating affordable housing and working with local partners," said Representative Peter Welch (D-VT). "The Trust is a leader in the world while they make us all proud with their service here at home."
The Champlain Housing Trust is a community land trust that supports strong, vital communities in northwest Vermont through the development and stewardship of permanently affordable homes and community assets. Over 2,100 families and individuals live in Housing Trust homes. For more information, contact Chris Donnelly at (802) 864-2644 or visit www.champlainhousingtrust.org.