Vermont Federal’s investment will help transition former vacation rentals into affordable permanent homes for Vermonters
South Burlington, VT – Vermont Federal Credit Union is proud to support an innovative housing and conservation partnership to create permanently affordable homeownership opportunities for Vermont residents and protect 150 acres of ecologically significant land in Morristown.
“One of our priorities at Vermont Federal is helping our neighbors find a safe, affordable place to live,” said Zack Chilcote, Vice President of Business Services of Vermont Federal Credit Union. “It’s an honor to be part of a project that invests in our community and sustainability, ensuring that future generations are set up to thrive in our beautiful state.”
The Muddy Moose project, led by Stowe Land Trust in partnership with Downstreet Housing & Community Development, transitioned eight existing vacation homes on Cote Hill from short-term rentals to year-round housing. Six of those homes are permanently affordable through Downstreet’s Shared Equity Housing program.
Vermont Federal Credit Union, alongside the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board, provided support to Downstreet to help ensure the long-term affordability of the shared equity homes.
In addition to creating new homeownership opportunities, the project conserves approximately 150 acres surrounding the former Muddy Moose Lodge property. The protected land includes an extensive forest, a gorge, nearly three-quarters of a mile of river frontage, and established hiking and cross-country skiing trails that are available for broader community use.