Tiny Homes: A Promising Solution to Vermont's Housing Crisis

Photo byAlyana Santillana

In Addison County, Vermont, a significant number of residents are grappling with a persistent housing crisis. Kate Bentley, a Bristol local, articulates the struggle many face, stating, "Saying it’s been a challenge to find housing would be an understatement. I’ve been in Vermont for about 13 years and we’ve moved 15 or 16 times." This ongoing uncertainty, characterized by constant relocations and the looming threat of eviction, has prompted individuals like Bentley to seek more stable and affordable housing solutions.

The Rise of Tiny Houses

As homeownership costs continue to soar, tiny houses have emerged as a viable option. These compact, stick-built mobile homes typically measure under 500 square feet, offering a potential remedy for those in need of affordable housing. The tiny house movement in Vermont gained momentum thanks to a grassroots organization known as Home First VT. Founded by a dedicated group of community members—including Mary Simons, Andrea Galiano, Ingrid Pixley, Jean Terwilliger, Nick Cantrick, and Dutton Smith—the initiative aims to tackle the local housing shortage head-on.

Mary Simons poignantly expressed the organization's mission: "It’s just sad to know that people in your community don’t have access to housing, shelter, and just the comfort and safety of having your own home. If you care enough, you’ll figure out a way to help."

A Collaborative Effort

Once tiny homes were identified as a potential solution, Nick Cantrick, a Construction Technology Instructor at the Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center, engaged his students in the project. Over the course of two school years, they successfully built the first tiny house. “The students loved it because it was a meaningful way to practice their skills,” Simons noted. “It’s one thing to build something for a class just to build it, but it’s another to know that what you did changed someone’s life.” Some students even volunteered their weekends to contribute to the construction.

Designed by local architects Jean Terwilliger and Shelly Pottorf, the inaugural tiny home measures 30 feet long, 8.5 feet wide, and 13 feet high. Built on a trailer to comply with highway regulations, the home will ultimately be placed on a cement foundation at its permanent site.

Navigating Challenges in Housing

After completion, Home First VT identified five serious potential buyers for the tiny home. However, common barriers—such as securing land and financing—delayed the sales process. Recently, the organization was finalizing a sale to a local 75-year-old woman, who plans to place the house on her daughter’s property. “The hardest thing right now, other than finding people with money for the project, is finding land and places we can do septic and other things you need to place a house,” Simons explained.

Home First VT aims to start Bentley’s tiny house soon, estimating a two-year construction timeline. While student labor plays a crucial role, the organization is actively seeking additional volunteers to accelerate the process. They are also looking for local partners willing to provide land for future projects. “We are looking for people with land who are interested in building an accessory dwelling unit on their property. We will do the labor of building the house and only charge material costs. They’ll take on a more landlord role once the property is finished,” Simons stated.

A Community-Focused Initiative

The urgency of finding housing solutions cannot be overstated. Bentley shared her ongoing anxieties: “I don’t know what it’s like to not have to think about housing. Will my rent increase? Would I be able to afford it? Do I need to get a second job? It’s in the back of my mind every day.”

Home First VT operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, uniting community members who believe that housing is a basic human need. The group is committed to providing economically and environmentally sustainable homes, designed and funded collaboratively by local residents. They aim to cultivate partnerships to build affordable, single-occupancy homes for those unable to meet market rates, ensuring that all community members can thrive in Addison County.

For more information about Home First VT and their initiatives, visit homesfirstvt.org.