Vermont Business Magazine Central Vermont Habitat for Humanity held a community groundbreaking ceremony for its newest project — a permanently affordable duplex home for two local families — on Wednesday at 804 North Main Street.
Some 40 residents came to the event. Comments welcoming the community effort came from Speaker of the House Jill Krowinski, Select Board Chair Charlie Morse, and Bill McCollough, Commandant and Vice-President of Student Affairs at Norwich University.
Rev. Jay Voorhees of the United Methodist Church of Northfield offered the blessing of the site, which was followed by the ceremonial “shovels in the ground.”
The event marked the official start of construction on the Northfield project, led by the local Habitat Building Committee. When complete, the two energy-efficient homes will be sold to income-qualified families, with preference for one veteran household.
Anne Donahue, Chair of the Northfield Building Committee, introduced members of the local steering committee: Jon Anderson, Vice Chair; Tom Bright, Volunteer Coordinator; David Ward, Fundraising Coordinator; Janan Hamm, Outreach Coordinator and Carolyn Stevens, Budget Coordinator.
Donahue said that the new home would help respond to the urgent housing crisis in the state, help move more families to stability through home ownership, and be a long-term asset to Northfield.Habitat partners with families earning between 30% and 80% of the area median income who are willing to contribute sweat equity and pay an affordable mortgage.
Site work began last week, and a Bensonwood panelized system is to be raised next spring. Community fundraising is already underway. Habitat emphasized that volunteers are needed for both construction and non-construction roles.
Others present included Central Vermont Habitat for Humanity Board Chair Edward McDonough, State Rep. Ken Goslant, Scott McClure from Darn Tough, Jesse Greig from YouthBuild, and Norwich representatives Bizhan Yahyazadeh, Vice-President of Facilities, Aron Temkin, Dean of College of professional schools. YouthBuild and Norwich are both partnering with volunteers for the construction.
The groundbreaking followed a recent well-attended Community Meeting, where residents, partners, lawmakers, and supporters gathered to learn about the project, ask questions, and explore ways to get involved.
Local organizations are also invited to collaborate. Groups may sponsor specific components of the home—such as windows, doors, or stairs—and hold their own fundraising events. Individuals with skills in construction, fundraising, outreach, management, or event organizing are encouraged to get involved.
To learn more about the groundbreaking event, volunteer opportunities, how to donate, or how to connect with steering committee members, contact Central Vermont Habitat for Humanity at (802) 522-8611 or [email protected].
ABOUT CENTRAL VERMONT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Central Vermont Habitat for Humanity, Inc. is an affordable housing non-profit. It builds and rehabilitates housing and offers affordable, zero or low interest mortgages for income sensitive Vermonters. CVHFH also completes critical home repairs for income qualifying homeowners and is located in Vermont State's Capital, Montpelier, VT and serves towns in Washington and Orange Counties. A local Greensboro collaboration also works in the towns of Craftsbury, Glover, Greensboro, and Hardwick in Orleans County.
11.10.2025. Northfield, VT — Central Vermont Habitat for Humanity
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