Tackling Vermont’s housing crisis on the ground in the Upper Valley

SPRINGFIELD, Vt. (WCAX) - Learning how to take the first step -- to create more needed housing.

“In this space, we have the resources that homeowners need to actually go from ‘oh that’s an interesting idea’ to getting a project completed,” Ellen Hender, of Vital Communities said.

Homeowners spent Saturday learning about Accessory Dwelling Units at the River Valley Tech Center in Springfield.

Those are additional or converted spaces creating a new home or apartment.

It’s something Hender hopes to see more of throughout homes located in the Upper Valley and beyond.

“A lot of folks moving to the area really like the kind of rural feel and so this is a type of housing that kind of nestles into our communities without being super noticeable,” Hender said.

Financial assistance, engineering