Foundation House
, Barre, VT 05641
Downstreet and Vermont Foundation of Recovery (VFOR) partnered to create a recovery residence in Central Vermont for women with children: Foundation House.
The original building, built in the early 1900s, was re-configured to create two individual apartments on the first floor and one multi-floor communal living apartment that can house up to four families of varying sizes. A shared common space was created to provide a family-like atmosphere in the home — one where the members are nurtured and energized by others who share common experiences, struggles, values, and goals. The scope of the project also included historic restoration, weatherization, and energy efficiency upgrades.
Circle and the Department of Children and Families were very involved in the choice of the site, the renovation designs, and the development of the program operations manual. Vermont Foundation of Recovery will operate Foundation House and local service providers, including the Turning Point Center and Washington County Mental Health Services, will provide support for the families who live there.
Photography © 2022 Sally McCay Photography. All rights reserved.
Budget: $2.9 million
Completed: 2022
Partners: Funding partners included Vermont Community Development Program Community Development Block Grant through the City of Barre, Recovery Housing Program Grant, Vermont Housing Improvement Program, Vermont Housing & Conservation Board, Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, NeighborWorks America, 3E Thermal, and charitable contributions from 292 donors. The architectural firm was Scott + Partners, with project architects Joel Page, Jess Gasek, and Austin Shaw. Construction management was provided by Naylor & Breen Builders with project manager Scott Durkee and site superintendent Dave Eastmann.
