Executive Director Update: December 2025

Dear Friends,

Strong communities are built through both bold investment and quiet acts of care. At Downstreet, we see this every day—in the housing we develop, the services we provide, and the ways neighbors show up for one another. As we reflect on the past year and look ahead to what’s next, we’re reminded that lasting change happens when people, partnerships, and purpose come together.
 
2025 was a year of momentum and impact at Downstreet. We purchased and renovated the Speranza Inn in Barre, began operating the Lamoille Housing Partnership, and helped 42 people buy homes. We broke ground on Hamesbest in Randolph, preserved 18 apartment homes in Barre, and opened 44 new apartments in Barre, Berlin, and Montpelier—creating more places people can truly call home.
 
That momentum continues into 2026. In the year ahead, we’ll open 26 new apartments in Waterbury, transform eight former vacation rentals in Morrisville into permanently affordable homes, and add four new shared-equity homeownership opportunities in Montpelier. In partnership with Evernorth, we’ll break ground on 25 new apartments in Johnson and 31 new apartments in Barre in partnership with the City. We’ll also begin renovations in Montpelier to create 21 new homes.
 
Alongside these major projects is work that happens in smaller but no less powerful ways: community gardens, backpacks filled with school supplies for children living in Downstreet properties, hats and mittens knitted for guests at the Speranza Inn, and public artwork that brings warmth and identity to shared spaces. All of these efforts help create a sense of home, belonging, and community.
 
This is the Central Vermont we envision and strive for. One where permanent affordability is the norm, where every household can count on the stability of home, and where the communities we serve are stronger, more equitable, and more connected because of the work we choose to do together.
 
We are deeply grateful to be doing this work alongside you. Thank you for helping us turn this vision into lived experience for so many Vermonters.

Warmly,
 
Angie Harbin
Executive Director