w Housing is not affordable for too many Vermonters.
All anyone needs to do is take a drive around our rural Vermont to see that we have house after house up for sale. Many of these houses are in such disrepair that we will see them sit on the market forever. Vermont is a beautiful state, with a lot of blemishes.
Habitat for Humanity is one of the greatest non-profit organizations in the world, in my humble opinion. President Carter, at age 93, is out there swinging a hammer for a good cause. We can do something very similar here.
Here is my plan for turning all of this around.
“Rebuild Vermont”
b. Age 65+ or disabled.
2. Individual contractors will be hired if:
a. They bring in unskilled, unpaid laborers, on an apprentice basis. The apprenticeship will be considered payment in full for their services.
b. They come in at the lowest bid for the job.
c. They provide the knowledge necessary for laborers to become licensed in the future.
d. Laborers must agree to make their skills available to Vermont after they are licensed.
3. Unoccupied houses will be eligible for repair work if they agree to make their house available for a family in need, until there is a sale of the property. If sold, 10% of the sale price will be paid to “Rebuild Vermont.”
The family in need must:
a. Agree to pay a rent based on their income.
b. Make payments on and keep utilities running on the property.
c. Utilities will be at a reduced rate based on ability to pay.
d. Agree to participate in the rebuilding or maintenance of the property.
e. Agree to move out of the house if it is sold, after the six month lease.
f. Agree to hold renter’s insurance at a special “Rebuild Vermont” rate.
g. Agree to monthly inspections of the property.
h. Agree to keep the property in presentable condition. If help is needed with yard work or upkeep the tenant must contact “Rebuild Vermont” for assistance.
i. Agree to make the home available to realtors and prospective buyers.
4. Unoccupied houses may also be eligible if owners opt to turn the home into low income housing units.
a. Any profit from tenants will have 25% returned to the “Rebuild Vermont” fund.
b. All tenants must be approved through “Rebuild Vermont.”
c. If the property is sold within five years there will be a commission of 20% paid to “Rebuild Vermont.”
5. Occupied houses may be eligible for repair work if:
a. Income does not allow for repairs.
b. There is a loss of income.
c. Medical Emergency.
d. Unable to care for the home anymore.
6. Homeowners will not be held responsible for any injuries to any parties involved in “Rebuild Vermont.”
7. While a house is under the care of “Rebuild Vermont” all property taxes will be waived.
8. There will be no provision allowed for squatters’ rights or any other such law. However, there will be a six month, non-breakable lease. When a sale is made, any time after the six months, the tenants will move or be moved out of the home.
With “Rebuild Vermont” we will increase the value of homes that are on the market. Homes that sit on the market for extended periods of time will be kept in good condition. Families who are unable to find acceptable housing will now have a place to reside.
All anyone needs to do is take a drive around our rural Vermont to see that we have house after house up for sale. Many of these houses are in such disrepair that we will see them sit on the market forever. Vermont is a beautiful state, with a lot of blemishes.
Habitat for Humanity is one of the greatest non-profit organizations in the world, in my humble opinion. President Carter, at age 93, is out there swinging a hammer for a good cause. We can do something very similar here.
Here is my plan for turning all of this around.
“Rebuild Vermont”
- There will be a criterion for individuals to be eligible for “Rebuild Vermont.”
b. Age 65+ or disabled.
2. Individual contractors will be hired if:
a. They bring in unskilled, unpaid laborers, on an apprentice basis. The apprenticeship will be considered payment in full for their services.
b. They come in at the lowest bid for the job.
c. They provide the knowledge necessary for laborers to become licensed in the future.
d. Laborers must agree to make their skills available to Vermont after they are licensed.
3. Unoccupied houses will be eligible for repair work if they agree to make their house available for a family in need, until there is a sale of the property. If sold, 10% of the sale price will be paid to “Rebuild Vermont.”
The family in need must:
a. Agree to pay a rent based on their income.
b. Make payments on and keep utilities running on the property.
c. Utilities will be at a reduced rate based on ability to pay.
d. Agree to participate in the rebuilding or maintenance of the property.
e. Agree to move out of the house if it is sold, after the six month lease.
f. Agree to hold renter’s insurance at a special “Rebuild Vermont” rate.
g. Agree to monthly inspections of the property.
h. Agree to keep the property in presentable condition. If help is needed with yard work or upkeep the tenant must contact “Rebuild Vermont” for assistance.
i. Agree to make the home available to realtors and prospective buyers.
4. Unoccupied houses may also be eligible if owners opt to turn the home into low income housing units.
a. Any profit from tenants will have 25% returned to the “Rebuild Vermont” fund.
b. All tenants must be approved through “Rebuild Vermont.”
c. If the property is sold within five years there will be a commission of 20% paid to “Rebuild Vermont.”
5. Occupied houses may be eligible for repair work if:
a. Income does not allow for repairs.
b. There is a loss of income.
c. Medical Emergency.
d. Unable to care for the home anymore.
6. Homeowners will not be held responsible for any injuries to any parties involved in “Rebuild Vermont.”
7. While a house is under the care of “Rebuild Vermont” all property taxes will be waived.
8. There will be no provision allowed for squatters’ rights or any other such law. However, there will be a six month, non-breakable lease. When a sale is made, any time after the six months, the tenants will move or be moved out of the home.
With “Rebuild Vermont” we will increase the value of homes that are on the market. Homes that sit on the market for extended periods of time will be kept in good condition. Families who are unable to find acceptable housing will now have a place to reside.