Our Mission

Downstreet strengthens the communities of Central Vermont by creating permanently affordable homes, promoting equity and inclusion, and connecting people to the resources and services they need to thrive.

We are a private, mission-driven, not for profit organization dedicated to the creation of equity in opportunities for all through the power of housing, and its ability to connect people to the resources they need to thrive. We believe this to be the most impactful and efficient approach to strengthening the health and future of our local communities.

 

 

Why We Serve

Our zip code – the place where we live – should not determine the trajectory of our lives. The idea of justice for all means that people should have an equal opportunity to make the most of their potential, no matter where they live or come from. This belief is what drives us. We seek to strengthen the health and future of our local communities through the power of housing. 

 

children at a ribbon cutting

Who We Serve

We serve the people who live and work in our communities: teachers and nurses; construction workers and bus drivers; hospitality workers, and customer service specialists. Some are young and just starting out in life, while others are elderly or disabled. Some have experienced homelessness, and others are long-time home owners.

Our customers come from all walks of life, but one thing they all share is the strength and courage to advocate for themselves and ask for the help they need on their path to a fulfilling life. Our clients are essential to our local economies and communities, but more importantly, they are our friends and neighbors, and we are here to address their housing challenges at any stage or situation.

family walking in field of flowers

Where We Serve

We are based in Central Vermont with a service area that spans Washington, Orange, and Lamoille counties, but our mission defies geographic boundaries. We work collaboratively with municipalities and partner organizations throughout the state to develop and sustain successful housing programs and services for a strong and healthy Vermont.

vermont mountains at sunset

How We Serve

We offer programs and services that address high cost of housing in Central Vermont. We develop and renovate multi-family homes for low- to middle-income earning families and individuals. Our property management and maintenance services ensure that our rental properties are safe and healthy with affordable rents. 

Our Homeownership Center offers low-interest loans to homeowners for critical home repairs, provides education and financial guidance to prospective homebuyers and offers a down-payment assistance program to allow more Vermonters to become home-owners. We manage the Support & Services at Home (SASH) program for Central Vermont, providing individualized, on-site support to older and disabled Vermonters so they can continue to live independently in their homes.

In total, we serve over 2,300 Vermonters annually.

handing over keys to couple for affordable housing

Our Core Values

People

We respect the inherent worth and dignity of all people and pursue equity, inclusion, and belonging in our workplace, our housing, and our programs and services. Because we care about the people of Central Vermont and the people who move Downstreet’s mission forward, we are committed to excellence and quality in everything we do.

Home

A safe, affordable home is a basic human right essential to everyone’s health and well-being regardless of their personal circumstances or service requirements. We ensure equitable access to many kinds of permanently affordable homes where the full diversity of Central Vermont communities is celebrated and where people can thrive.

Community

We strive to be a good neighbor by encouraging a sense of belonging for all, fostering collaborations that reinforce community vitality, participating in community engagement and community improvement efforts, and prioritizing responsible operations. We balance high standards for integrity and accountability with compassion and acceptance to encourage collaborative alliances and fruitful working relationships among diverse people.

Vermont

We love Vermont and we welcome to Central Vermont all those who seek a home here. Through environmentally sustainable practices, the use of smart growth principles, and the advancement of environmental justice, our work contributes to healthy and resilient communities that preserve the beauty and charm that our Green Mountain State embodies.

 

 

downstreet affordable housing in vermont