Chris Donnelly, Director at Champlain Housing Trust, 5-30-2024, speaks to Williston VT Rotary

On May 30 our guest speaker was Chris Donnelly, communications director for Champlain Housing Trust. A community land trust, CHT works within Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle counties to address housing safety, security and mobility. Focus areas of their work include homelessness, rental housing and home ownership.

Among the many examples of their work that Chris shared are forgivable loans to farmers to improve the quality of farmworker housing, the purchase and conversion of motels into affordable apartments, providing supportive housing for those escaping domestic violence, and partnering with Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity to help families achieve homeownership. In Williston, CHT converted the former Marriott Townplace Suites on Zephyr Rd. into 72 apartments, 38 of which are designated for people exiting homelessness. At this location supports include social workers who can connect residents to needed services, as well as access to Turning Point substance use programs.