New Workshops to Help Shape Vermont’s Housing Future

Montpelier, Vt. - The Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), in partnership with AARP Vermont and Utile Architects + Planners, are pleased to announce a series of public workshops to gather feedback from older Vermonters and community members on the 802 Homes catalog .

As part of the Homes for All initiative , the State of Vermont is developing a catalog of ready-to-build home designs intended to make housing easier, faster, and more affordable to build across Vermont. The catalog includes homes ranging from small single-family homes to small multi-unit buildings inspired by Vermont neighborhoods and communities.

These workshops, made possible with help from a $15,000 AARP Flagship Community Challenge grant, will focus on refining the draft designs to better support aging in place and long-term livability. Participants will be invited to share perspectives on safety, accessibility, usability, and affordability, among other feedback.

"Vermont's housing challenge is not only about producing more homes, it's also about making sure the homes we build work for people throughout different stages of life," said Alex Farrell, Commissioner of the Department of Housing and Community Development. "Through 802 Homes, we're trying to reduce cost and complexity while creating designs that are practical, attractive, and adaptable. These workshops will help ensure the catalog reflects how Vermonters actually want to live and age."

Kelly Stoddard Poor , Associate State Director of Outreach at AARP Vermont, emphasized the importance of designing with long-term usability in mind. "Most Vermonters want the opportunity to remain in their homes and communities as they age. Thoughtful home design can make that possible. We're excited to partner with DHCD to bring older Vermonters into the design process and help shape housing options that are safe, flexible, and support independence over time."

The workshops build on broader public engagement underway through 802 Homes and reflect DHCD's commitment to pairing housing affordability with quality design, energy performance, and long-term functionality.

Workshop Schedule

In Person

Thursday, July 9
6:00-7:30 PM

BCA Studios Community Room
405 Pine Street, Burlington

Virtual

Thursday, July 16
1:30-3:00 PM

Monday, July 20
9:30-11:00 AM

Use this link to register for a workshop .