November Community Partner of the Month: Twin Pines Housing Trust
added 10/28/08
The cost of living isn’t getting any cheaper, as we all know too well. Although life in the Upper Valley means many wonderful things, it includes a housing market that is one of the tightest in the nation for low-to-moderate-income families. The area’s low unemployment rate means fewer vacancies, resulting in high rental and mortgage prices based on demand. Throw in New England heating bills and ever-increasing costs all around, and struggling families struggle even more.
Housing is considered affordable when the cost of rent or mortgage, insurance, and taxes is less than 30 percent of a family’s gross income. That means a renter or homeowner must earn a salary of nearly three times the minimum wage in order to live in the Upper Valley. Many simply can’t.
Twin Pines Housing Trust works to increase the number of safe, attractive, and efficient homes and apartments available to income-qualified residents, and is our Community Partner each November. With central offices located in White River Junction, Vermont, Twin Pines helps meet area needs by building and renovating affordable multi-family apartments, single-family homes, and mobile home parks.
How You Can Help:
- Make a contribution when you shop at the Co-op during November.
- Volunteer your skills on small maintenance, gardening, or light office projects by calling the Twin Pines office at (802) 291-7000.
- Donate items that improve the living environment of Twin Pines’ residents, such as art supplies, children’s books, new plastic playground equipment, or outdoor storage sheds. Contact the office number above.
