The People’s United Community Foundation, the philanthropic arm of People’s United Bank, announced today that it has awarded $10,000 to Habitat for Humanity International Inc. ‘ Bennington Area Habitat for Humanity, and has awarded $5,000 to the Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS).
The Bennington Area Habitat for Humanity constructs simple, decent, affordable houses in partnership with families who currently live in substandard and unsafe conditions and who have no possibility of obtaining a home through any conventional means.
‘The donation from People’s United Community Foundation will assist in paying for infrastructure work on 11 acres of land in Manchester, Vermont on which 22 single-family homes will be built,’ noted Richard Malley, Executive Director of Bennington Area Habitat for Humanity.
The Jennifer Lane project utilizes 11 acres of land on which 22 single-family homes will be built. Eleven of the homes will be offered to families that earn no more than 60% of Bennington County’s median income, $37,000 for a family of four. In addition, Bennington Area Habitat has partnered with Vermont Traditional Builders who will build 11 additional homes and will sell them at no profit to families that earn no more than 125% of the median income, $77,000 for a family of four. The Jennifer Lane project helps families with no homeownership options and who have very few viable housing options to rent or purchase homes in or near Manchester.
‘We are pleased to be able to support Bennington Area Habitat for Humanity and their Jennifer Lane building project in Manchester,’ said Michael Seaver, Officer, People’s United Community Foundation, and President of People’s United Bank in Vermont. ‘Quality housing is something all Vermonters need in order to raise their families. Through this Habitat for Humanity project, 22 families are able to achieve this goal.’
COTS
The People’s United Community Foundation also announced today that it has awarded $5,000 to Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS) for their Homeless Prevention program.
The Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS) provides emergency shelter, support services, and housing for people who are homeless or marginally housed in Vermont. COTS advocates for long-term solutions to end homelessness and believes: in the value and dignity of every human life; that housing is a fundamental human right; and that emergency shelter is not the solution to homelessness.
In 2004, COTS began offering a limited Homelessness Prevention Fund that provided emergency, one-time grants to prevent people from losing their housing. As the need grew, the program evolved to keep up with the demand, and in October of 2008, this effort led to the creation of the Housing Resource Center (HRC) ‘ a ‘one stop shop’ for people seeking affordable housing and rental assistance. Often times low-income households end up in emergency shelters due to unforeseen events beyond their control, such as a job loss, unexpected medical bills or a major car repair. HRC staff identifies individuals and families in financial trouble and links them with resources before they are evicted or face foreclosure action. They also maintain an ongoing list of housing that is available for rent and work with a network of more than 50 landlords who rent to COTS clients. In its first three years of operation, the HRC has helped 1,507 households with homeless prevention and security deposit grants and loans. This represents 3,664 individuals, 1,542 of who are children.
‘We are so grateful for the support of People’s United Community Foundation,’ said Rita Markley, COTS Executive Director. ‘COTS will use the generous donation to help families and individuals avert the financial and personal devastation associated with homelessness.’
‘We are pleased to partner with COTS in their efforts to reduce homelessness’ said Michael Seaver, Officer, People’s United Community Foundation and President of People's United Bank in Vermont. ‘Just one small unforeseen event can cause job loss, foreclosure or the inability to pay for food or heat. By supporting the Homeless Prevention program through COTS, we hope to provide stability for low-income individuals and families in Vermont.’
About People’s United Community Foundation
Established in 2007, People’s United Community Foundation was formed to help support programs and activities that enhance the quality of life for citizens in the communities that People’s United Bank serves. With special emphasis on programs designed to promote economic self-sufficiency, education and improved conditions for low-income families and neighborhoods, the funding priorities of the Foundation include: community development, youth development, and affordable housing.
About Bennington Area Habitat for Humanity
To learn more about the Jennifer Lane project, please contact www.benningtnonareahabitat.com, or call 802-367-1000. The Bennington Area Habitat for Humanity affiliate has completed 12 homes and now provides housing for over 60 area residents.