RuralEdge Receives Donation from Dead River Company for Homeownership Programs

LYNDONVILLE—Dead River Company recently donated $5,000 to RuralEdge for their Homeownership Center programming, allowing RuralEdge to continue their significant programming to potential and current homeowners in Northeast Kingdom communities.

RuralEdge began their relationship with Dead River Company last year when, through a competitive bidding process, Dead River Company was awarded a contract to provide for the oil and propane needs at RuralEdge properties. In their ongoing conversations with RuralEdge, they heard about the programs offered through RuralEdge’s Homeownership Center which, despite the COVID-19 Pandemic, has counseled 145 potential homebuyers through their Homebuyer Education program, provided grants and low-interest loans to allow 50 households make necessary health and safety repairs to their home since the onset on the Pandemic. In response to the Pandemic, RuralEdge has helped renters and homeowners access relief funds like the Vermont Emergency Rental Assistance Program (VERAP) and Vermont Homeowners Assistance Program (VHAP) to stay financially secure in their homes, as well as administering a Housing Stabilization program that combines grant funds with ongoing financial counseling from HUD-certified counselors. The Homeownership Center also administers the Vermont Housing Improvement Program (VHIP) in the Northeast Kingdom.

“RuralEdge understands the value of strong partnerships,” said RuralEdge Executive Director Patrick Shattuck. “Receiving this generous donation from Dead River Company demonstrates the value that our vendors see in our work and in supporting our communities. This funding will go towards continuing these programs that are integral to our mission of strengthening Northeast Kingdom communities, one home at a time.”

“Dead River Company is guided by our core values of integrity, caring and excellence,” stated Karen Westover, General Manager. “We believe it's both a privilege and responsibility to be an active member of the communities we serve. We value our relationship with RuralEdge and happy to be supporting their Homeowership program.”

For more information on RuralEdge’s Homeownership Center Programs, call (802) 535-3555 or email homeownership@ruraledge.org.