Breckenridge Grand Vacations Donates Land to Summit County Habitat for Humanity
BGV’s Development Team led by CEO, Mike Dudick, donated three parcels of developable land to Summit County Habitat for Humanity. According to Habitat’s Executive Director, April-Dawn Knudsen, the new homes will likely become higher density units for multiple families. All three lots are located within the town limits of Alma, Colorado, a bedroom community for Summit County’s workforce.
The decision to donate the land was a “no-brainer” according to Dudick who also stated, “Housing is the number one request we hear from our employees, and as the largest year-round employer in Summit County, we have to listen and take action. We hope that by donating this land it may inspire others who are in a position to do so, to consider this as well.” Dudick assures that BGV and his team are fervently searching for solutions in addressing the pervasive issue in the community around the affordable employee housing shortage.
Habitat for Humanity’s Homeownership Program is for local income-qualified families (<80% AMI) who can apply and be coached from the initial application process through to the loan qualification. Homeowners are selected by; 1) need for quality, safe housing, 2) ability to pay an affordable mortgage, 3) willingness to partner with Habitat. “With the increased scarcity of land and the price of real estate continually rising, ” stated Knudsen, “we don’t typically see land donations like this anymore.” Historically Summit Habitat has built single-family homes but as they have recognized the need to increase density are now exploring multi-family housing options. “We hope to be able to house more teachers, law enforcement, and first-responders – the very people who make our communities thrive.”
Programs like Habitat, which use a deed-restriction method, keep homes affordable for working families over time. “BGV sees this land donation as a faster route to placing families into homes,” says Dudick.
Summit Habitat for Humanity believes that no one lives in dignity until everyone can live in dignity; and when the broader community is engaged in addressing the urgent need for adequate, affordable housing, everyone becomes less vulnerable and more resilient. Knudsen shared, “We are grateful for Breckenridge Grand Vacations’s generous donation. BGV is a shining example of philanthropy and is so generous in supporting every aspect of our community, ultimately making so many lives better.”
To learn more about Summit County Habitat for Humanity or to be added to the list for upcoming housing notifications, please contact April at executivedirector@summithabitat.org or visit http://www.SummitHabitat.org to make a donation and join BGV in expanding local homeownership opportunities.
