by Judy Kniffin

Madison Kremer, Shires’ Housing Development Assistant and Communications Specialist, spoke at a recent AAUW program about new energy efficient housing projects.  I recently asked Madison if there were any specific opportunities for members to donate money toward needed local housing and her response was immediate:

“Shires Housing has been trying for several years to launch a program that speaks to this concern.  Currently, there are no recovery residences within 55 miles of Bennington, despite the fact that about 570 men and women here receive treatment for substance use disorder each quarter.  Shires Housing finally identified buildings, devised plans, and partnered with the Turning Point Center and Vermont Foundation of Recovery, with support from Mission City Church, to build 16 recovery residence beds in Bennington.  That’s the good news.  The bad news is that skyrocketing costs now threaten this project.”

Madison concluded her response with a reference to more online information about their new capital campaign at fundrazr.com/recovery-housing-bennington.  If you are so inclined, please visit this site and consider making a donation, large or small.  Any amount will help to convey the message that members of this community do care.