Tag Archives: teton county

Habitat Success Story- 10 Years Later

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At Teton Habitat, we believe that everyone deserves a decent place to live. Through donations, volunteering, and the support of our community, we are able to provide truly affordable housing in Teton County. 

In 2013, Teton Habitat built four townhomes at the Homesteads at Teton Village. These were Habitat’s 25th – 28th homes.  As a requirement of the Teton Village Expansion, Crystal Springs Ranch, Inc. gifted the lots to Habitat. JLF & Associates, Inc was the architect for the project. This Old Bill’s season, we are excited to feature a Habitat family who is still thriving in their home after 10 years. 

Sharon and Stephen Fralin were excited to build their dream – a Habitat home that would be safe and healthy for their children in the town that was their home. Beset by financial and health hardships, they lost their first home to foreclosure in 2010. This was also emotionally devastating because it was the home where Sharon, a fourth generation Wyoming native, and her family were raised. 

After foreclosing on their home, the Fralin’s struggled in the Teton County rental market. Their rental, before purchasing a Teton Habitat home, was a small two bedroom apartment where ice collected on the inside of metal window frames during the cold winter months. They also had to deal with mold growing in the bathrooms. 

Sharon worked as a cook and cashier for Teton County School District and Stephen was a chef and a River Rock Lodge Assisted Living Center Dining Services Director. Both Stephen and Sharon enjoy the outdoors, being involved at their church, and volunteering with organizations that have benefitted their family such as Jackson Hole Therapeutic Riding Association and the Special Olympics program. 

Their oldest child has down syndrome. “She has brought us incredible joy… and helped us renew our faith,” say Sharon and Stephen. The Fralin family continue to live and raise their family in their Teton Village home. 

It is through community support and donations that we can build truly affordable home for families like the Fralins. Now through September 15th your donations can go further through Old Bills Fun Run. You can donate to Teton Habitat Here. 

Unable to donate financially? We are always looking for people to donate their time to help these homes become a reality. Please consider volunteering here. 

September ReStore Update

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It’s been a busy month in the ReStore with a lot of changes taking place. First, the ReStore is excited to have a new Point of Sale system called ThrifCart. This system is geared specifically for thrift stores and more than half of the ReStores in the nation are now using it. As we continue to work with ThiftCart we will be adding new features to help our mission and efficiency.

Along with the new POS system, we have also started a Customer Loyalty Rewards program. To sign up we just need you name and phone number. Every $5 you spend earns a point and every 100 points gets $5 off your next purchase and points do not expire! To sign up, see an associate in the ReStore or email restore@tetonhabitat.org.

On top of that, the ReStore started a new partnership with GreenSheen. GreenSheen operates out of Denver Colorado and recycles paint as a small-batch, eco-friendly option. Contractors, individuals, and other companies drop off to them and they recycle it in their warehouse which then ships worldwide. The recycled ‘new’ paint is then repackaged into appropriate-sized containers (1 gallon cans or 5 gallon buckets) and sent to the ReStore for sale. Our shelves are currently stocked with 18 color options as well as white.

Finally, The EPA has released new guidelines on light bulb efficiency. Light bulbs must have 45 lumens to every watt, because of this we are now only taking LED bulbs to ensure we are keeping up with more eco-friendly guidelines.

September Parkside Construction Update

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The Habitat construction team has been on a roll this last month! In four weeks, they framed most of the interior walls in building two and started installing Zip sheathing around the lower part of the building. Additionally, the team spent 12 hours installing the SIP (structural insulated panel) roof on August 10th. This consisted of lifting 15 panels (1000lbs each) onto the roof then slipping them into place by hand and fastening them down individually before moving to the next.

While the team transitions to installing interior walls in building two, Fish Creek Excavation dug out two foundations for buildings three and four. These foundations coincide with the next six families being selected for homeownership and will be ready for vertical construction as the families come to the job site for their sweat-equity hours.

The Habitat Construction Partner of the Month for September is Bressler Insulation. Bressler Insulation has been a longtime supporter of Teton Habitats construction work and regularly donates products we use to insulate tight spaces inside our units, such as expanding foam insulation. Their donations reduce the cost of building for Habitat and their products reduce heating and AC costs for homeowners. Thank you, Bressler!

 

Phase 2 Homeowner Selection for Parkside at Benson & Brown Station

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Teton Habitat is excited to report that we have selected 6 families and 3 alternates for Phase 2 of the Parkside at Benson & Brown Station. 

The selection process for the second six homeowners for this project began by informing our “active” pool of applicants of the income verification document deadline. 33 applications were submitted by our deadline of June 28, 2023. All applications and income verification documents were reviewed by the Homeowner Services Manager and submitted to a sub-committee for review and approval. The subcommittee then recommended 12 applications for Homeowner Selection Committee review. 

Fourteen homeowner selection committee members participated in an anonymized round of selection. The selection criteria included need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner.  All selected applicants are required to do 500 hours of sweat equity, attend homebuyer education courses, and save for their closing costs.  Teton Habitat sells homes to selected applicants through a zero per cent interest, 30-year fixed mortgage. 

Chosen applicants from our community include:

  • A 20-year resident of Teton County, a single parent with 2 kids currently living in a 1 bedroom/ 1 bathroom rental with many issues. 
  • A 25-year resident of the Valley, a single parent with 4 kids currently living in a 2 bedroom/ 1 bathroom rental with threats of eviction. 
  • A 16-year off/on Teton County resident, a single parent who has moved nine times in the last year. 
  • A 22-year resident in Teton County, single parent of 1, whose lease ends in October. 
  • A 22-year Teton County resident, single parent of 3 whose lease ends in November.
  • A 22-year resident, single parent of 1 with rent continually increasing. 

Chosen applicants for Phase 2 of the Parkside at Benson & Brown Station have been notified of their selection. Some have already begun their sweat equity hours. The Teton Habitat staff, Board of Directors and Selection Committee Members are thrilled to bring truly affordable and safe housing to 6 more families in Teton County. 

Phase 3 homeowners will be selected early next year, which will complete this 18 unit, single-family housing neighborhood. 

Learn more about his project HERE. 

Learn how you can get involved HERE. 

Break A Sweat for a Good Cause This Summer

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While summer is short in Teton County, the beautiful weather and longer days allow Teton Habitat construction to accelerate. Indeed, summer is our prime building season—a time to create lasting impact. In order to really make gains during the summer, we need helping hands. That is where our fantastic volunteers come into play.

It takes a community to build truly affordable housing in Teton County. And our volunteers are critical to lower construction costs. We hope that you will consider joining us for what remains of the summer to make a difference in the lives of your fellow community members. 

No construction skills? Not necessary, we can teach you. The Teton Habitat team will provide you with the necessary training and guidance, empowering you to step outside and embrace the rewarding experience of breaking a sweat for a worthy cause.

Stuck indoors at your day job? Many organizations offer paid time off for volunteering. Or better yet, bring your whole office with you for a team-building experience that gives back to the community.

Sign up to volunteer or set up a team-build day here.  For questions, contact our Volunteer Manager at laneisha@tetonhabitat.org

Parkside Homeowner Update

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Affordable homeownership is the focus and end result of the work collectively done at Teton Habitat. The Homeowner Services team is in full swing this summer, managing multiple facets of Teton Habitats homeownership program. 

First, our Phase 1 (first six units) homebuyers, who were previously selected, are going through their Homebuyer Education Classes while also working on the job site to fulfill their sweat equity hours – 500 in total! 

While this is happening, applicants for Phase 2 (the next six units) are being reviewed by our selection committee this month. Once selected, Habitat will welcome the next six partner families as they begin to work on their sweat equity this winter. 

Finally, our application portal is open for anyone interested in applying for Phase 3 at Parkside which includes the final six units of our project. These units will come up for sale in Summer/Fall 2024 with an expected completion date in Spring/Summer 2025.

English Application

Spanish Application 

 

Learn about the homeowner process with Teton Habitat Here. 

Teton Habitat is Looking for Construction Volunteers – No Building Experience Needed!

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Summer is our prime building season in Teton County and Teton Habitat is looking for more construction volunteers on the Parkside at Benson-Brown Station project. Parkside is moving along, with the first six units approaching completion. We can use your help to get these homes ready for our excited new homeowners.

It takes a community to build affordable housing in Teton County. Our volunteers are critical to keeping construction costs low and making a Habitat house truly affordable. “We hope people will join us at Parkside and help make a difference in our community.” shared Kris Greenville, Executive Director of Teton Habitat. “Our first group of Parkside homebuyers has been working hard and several families have nearly completed their 500 hours of ‘sweat equity.’ Volunteers have an amazing opportunity to work alongside these inspiring folks and help address our affordable housing crisis.”

Teton Habitat invites volunteers to come out each Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Shifts are 8:45 am to 4 pm with a lunch break. Volunteers do not need construction experience. Each volunteer day, the Teton Habitat construction team provides necessary training and organizing. You can volunteer once, weekly, or monthly. We also offer group volunteer opportunities – if your team or organization is interested in volunteerism, a Habitat Build Day is a wonderful team-building experience.

By participating in Habitat building projects, you directly contribute to constructing homes that will improve the lives of individuals and communities. According to a survey conducted by Habitat for Humanity International, 89% of homeowners reported better family health, and 79% reported improved academic performance of their children after moving into a Habitat home.

Contact Teton Habitat’s Volunteer Manager, LaNeisha Pickens (laneisha@tetonhabitat.org), to volunteer or set up a team-build day. To learn more about volunteering with Teton Habitat, you can also visit www.tetonhabitat.org/get-involved.

First Interstate Bank Donates $100,000 to Teton Habitat

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Release Date: Wednesday, July 6th, 2023

This donation is part of First Interstate Bank’s Believe in Local program which supports Teton Habitat’s Parkside at Benson-Brown Station project.

(Jackson, WY, July 5th) – Teton Habitat is proud to announce a $100,000 gift from First Interstate for our Parkside at Benson-Brown Station affordable housing project. This donation is a part of First Interstate Bank and the First Interstate BancSystem Foundation’s Believe in Local grant. First Interstate donated $25,000 as part of a $3-to-$1 funding match from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines for a total donation of $100,000 to Parkside.

“Teton Habitat can only build truly affordable homes in Teton County through generous support from our partners like First Interstate and FHLB Des Moines. With this significant donation, Teton Habitat has raised 1⁄3 of the Parkside fundraising goal,” said Kris Greenville, Executive Director of Teton Habitat.

Parkside at Benson-Brown Station is an 18-unit housing development being built in partnership with Teton County and the Jackson/Teton County Housing Department. Parkside will be completed in three phases, with six units in each phase. This project includes a mix of 2- and 3-bedroom units to better address the diverse needs of local families and individuals earning up to 80% Area Median Income (AMI).

“Giving back to the places we cll home is central to who we are as a community bank,” said Richard Uhl, First Interstate market president in Jackson. “Our Believe in Local grant campaign captures our core values in action and is the ideal way to celebrate the nonprofit organizations that deliver the greatest positive impact. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to further support Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Teton Area in their work to make our community a better place to live, work, and raise a family.”

 

About the ‘Believe in Local’ Campaign

First Interstate Bank launched the Believe in Local campaign in 2022 to celebrate the Bank’s longstanding commitment to the communities it serves. Each year, forty nonprofit organizations across the Bank’s 14-state footprint receive a $25,000 gift in support of their mission. Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Teton Area was nominated by local First Interstate employees and selected from a pool of over 500 submissions thanks to its alignment with the Bank’s philanthropic goals.

 

About Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Teton Area

Founded in 1995, Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Teton Area brings people together to build homes, community, and hope. Over the last 30 years, Teton Habitat has built 57 homes for individuals and families to address the housing crisis in the Teton County. Teton Habitat is the only housing organization in the County exclusively serving individuals and families earning up to 80% of AMI.

 

Positive Outcomes of Homeownership

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It is no surprise that homeownership leads to many positive outcomes, for individuals and families. But did you know that those positive outcomes benefit our collective economic stability, civic and social engagement, reduce our environmental footprint, and more?

Teton Habitat is excited to share the following research findings about the outcomes of homeownership from Habitat for Humanity International: 

Through a series of evidence briefs, Habitat is bringing to light research on the impact that affordable housing has on individuals and families at home and beyond. This brief provides an overview of how families can prosper with greater access to decent, affordable housing. Check out our highlights below and download the full brief.

Research highlights

Wealth and financial stability

  • U.S. homeowners have an average net wealth that is 400% higher than that of renters with similar demographics and earnings, and home equity represents the largest proportion of wealth (34.5%) for U.S. households.
  • Research has shown a correlation between homeownership and increased wealth, with each year of homeownership tending to be associated with an additional $9,500 in net wealth, on average.
  • In 2019, net wealth was lower for lower-income ($9,300), Black ($24,100) and Hispanic/Latinx households ($36,050) than for higher-income ($1,589,300) and white households ($189,100). Home equity represented a larger share of net wealth for low-income households and Black and Hispanic/Latinx households.​​

Civic and social engagement​​​​​

  • Homeowners are more likely to vote in local elections than renters in comparable neighborhoods, and this likelihood increases with the degree of neighborhood disadvantage in low-income urban areas.​​​​​​
  • Regardless of the length of time they have owned a home, homeowners are 1.3 times more likely to become involved in a neighborhood group and to join a civic association than renters. The increased participation in neighborhood groups holds true in low-income neighborhoods as well.

Environment​​​​​

  • For older single-family homes, weatherization reduces low-income households’ total energy costs by 12.4% within the first year. This is substantial given that low-income households have higher energy burdens, spending three times the share of their annual income (7.2%) on energy costs as compared with other households (2.3%).

Education

  • Children of low-income homeowners are 11% more likely to graduate from high school and are 4.5% more likely to complete post-secondary education than children of low-income renters.
  • Homeowners can leverage their housing wealth to finance post-secondary education for their children, especially lower- and moderate-income households. For lower- and moderate-income households, a $10,000 increase in housing wealth raises the probability of college attendance by 14%.

Health

  • Decreasing housing costs for cost-burdened households (those spending more than half of their household expenditures on housing) releases resources to spend on nutritious food and healthcare and limits overcrowding to minimize the spread of respiratory infectious diseases.

 

Would you like the opportunity to be a homeowner in the Greater Teton Area? Learn more here. Would you like to support the mission of Teton Habitat? Donate here. 

 

Article Source: https://www.habitat.org/our-work/impact/research-series-outcomes-associated-with-homeownership

Teton Habitat Director Speaks up For Affordable Housing

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Teton Habitat is exceptionally proud to have board members who stand up for affordable housing in our community. Recently, Board Member Christina Feuz told Teton County Commissioners to “stop asking whether or not Habitat for Humanity can perform. We’re tried and true,” regarding the scalability of building homes in Northern South Park. 

Find the full article, Can county guarantee affordable South Park homes? from Jackson Hole News & Guide HERE.