What is the Greenwich Affordable Housing Trust Fund?
The Greenwich
Affordable Housing Trust was established in 2021 and given $650,000.00 in starter funds from the Town's Covid-19 relief money to address the growing need for
affordable housing in the town. The trust is a non-profit organization that
works to create and preserve affordable housing opportunities for individuals
and families in Greenwich.
As of October 2023, the trust fund has received $40, 000.00 in donations.
One of the main goals of the Greenwich
Affordable Housing Trust is to increase the availability of affordable housing
options for low and moderate-income residents. This includes developing new
affordable housing units, as well as preserving existing affordable housing
stock. By creating more affordable housing options, the trust aims to help
alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by low-income residents in
Greenwich.
The trust also works to promote
mixed-income communities by integrating affordable housing units within
market-rate developments. By building mixed-income communities, the trust hopes
to foster a sense of community and provide residents with access to a wider
range of resources and services.
In addition to creating and preserving
affordable housing units, the Greenwich Affordable Housing Trust also provides
financial assistance and support services to help low-income residents secure
and maintain affordable housing. This includes offering down payment assistance
programs, rental assistance programs, and housing counseling services. By
offering these resources, the trust aims to help low-income residents overcome
financial barriers and achieve stable and affordable housing.
The trust also works closely with local
government agencies, developers, and community organizations to advocate for
policies and initiatives that support affordable housing in Greenwich. This
includes advocating for zoning changes that allow for the development of
affordable housing units, as well as collaborating with developers to create
more affordable housing opportunities within the town. By working with various
stakeholders, the trust is able to address the affordable housing crisis in
Greenwich.
Despite the efforts of the Greenwich
Affordable Housing Trust, the town still faces challenges in providing
affordable housing for all of its residents. The high cost of land and
construction in Greenwich makes it difficult to develop affordable housing
units that are accessible to low-income residents. Additionally, the lack of
available land for development poses a further challenge to creating new
affordable housing options in the town. Not to mention the state’s mandated
8-30g statute that requires all towns in Greenwich to reach 10% affordable
housing stock. This is challenging as all 8-30g units revert back to market
rate after 40 years, thus, realistically, there is always difficulty in reaching
and maintaining this percentage.
To overcome these challenges, the Greenwich
Affordable Housing Trust is constantly seeking new funding sources, including
the Town of Greenwich, and partnerships to support its affordable housing
initiatives. This includes applying for grants, seeking private donations, and
collaborating with other affordable housing organizations to leverage resources
and expertise. By working together with other organizations and stakeholders,
the trust is able to maximize its impact and create more affordable housing
opportunities for residents in Greenwich.
Greenwich Affordable Housing Trust Fund
Affordable Housing Trust Ordinance
Affordable Housing Trust Board and P & Z Joint Session
Town of Greenwich Calendar 2024
Affordable Housing Trust Fund FAQs
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