In the wake of Tropical Storm Irene in August of 2011, Vermonters assessed the statewide damage and noticed that mobile home residents were disproportionately affected by this extreme weather event. Mobile homes have historically offered an affordable housing solution for many families, but because they are less well insulated and are typically propped up on concrete pillars rather than a true foundation, owners can get slammed with energy costs and are far more vulnerable to weather fluctuations. Nonprofits, funders and other stakeholders came together to consider affordable solutions for these folks to rebuild sustainably and safely while also embracing Vermont’s values of reducing carbon footprints. Together, the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board and Efficiency Vermont, with support from the High Meadows Fund, came together to form the Modular Housing Innovation Project.  After an initial pilot project of building clean, well-insulated, and affordable modular homes, the coalition formed Vermod.

Vermod offers two different styles of one-bedroom homes, three styles of two-bedroom homes, and two styles of three-bedroom homes that range in price from $122,600 to $167,400 for a three-bedroom, two bathroom 28-by-36-foot home each with 10-inch-thick walls for optimum heat and air retention. Another bonus for lower-income homebuyers is the additional incentives, such as a $10,000 solar incentive for those below 80% median income, and extremely low-interest rates for lower-income households. Even higher income buyers are eligible for tax credits on their efficient house, and everyone finds the monthly savings on energy costs a substantial impact.

Learn more about Vermod at their website, and read more about their work here and here.