Housing has gotten further out of reach for many living and working in Eagle County. In 2022-23, we received 170 applications for 24 homes. Hardworking locals struggle to find and maintain housing, oftentimes living in unsafe or overcrowded situations. Our teachers, law enforcement officers, fire fighters, bus drivers and grocery store workers deserve a safe, stable home.

Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley has tripled its building efforts this year in an attempt to help locals living perilously close to crisis build stable roots. But it is heartbreaking to know there are only so many families we can help each year.

On June 22, Habitat Vail Valley will break ground on 16 homes, starting to build a new neighborhood with 16 new homeowners at Third Street in Eagle. This development is a standout because of the partnerships that made it possible, the future homeowners and the innovation.

This project comes with strong partnerships: Eagle County School District donated the land that is adjacent to Eagle Valley Middle School. Seventy-five percent of the new homeowners work in the school district. Instead of having one or two kids, they influence hundreds every year.

The Town of Eagle worked with us so we could receive grants from the state for infrastructure work. The town also reduced its permitting costs. Eagle County/Eagle County Housing and Development Authority funds the gap between construction costs and affordability. Finally, we were able to access funding from the newly created Transformational Affordable Housing Grant program through the Colorado Department of Housing.

Third Street is our foray into modular building — a shortened build timeline will get families into their homes sooner. As we break ground and start infrastructure and moving earth, Fading West, the modular builder, will construct the homes in their factory. It is head-spinning to think how fast they can build these houses that will become homes. In a one-month timeframe, all 16 homes will be built.

On June 22, we will honor the partners but mostly celebrate the new Habitat homeowners who have worked so hard to help build their homes and the homes of their neighbors. Third Street, like all of Habitat’s neighborhoods, shows how families working together create a strong community for everyone. Join us in celebrating home.

As housing prices continue to escalate and housing supplies dwindle, Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley is committed to advocating and building. Since 1995, Habitat Vail Valley has built 100 homes, housing 159 essential workers and 304 children. The nonprofit believes creating affordable homeownership opportunities is key to improving the cost of living for the local workforce: Everyone deserves a safe and stable home. 

Please come out for the groundbreaking ceremony for new Habitat families!

• June 22nd at 4 p.m.
• Third Street in Eagle – adjacent to Eagle Valley Middle School