Foundation for Norfolk Living

Keeping the cost of owning a home as low as possible is the goal of the Foundation for Norfolk Living’s (FNL) fundraising campaign for Haystack Woods, a net-zero affordable housing community for first-time home buyers who earn 80 percent or less of Litchfield County’s median income. The homes are designed to minimize energy costs with advanced building materials, energy efficient technology and solar. That’s why they are called “net zero.”

The $25,000 challenge grant through Northwest Corner Gives would allow FNL to take that a step further by keeping fees for the homeowners’ association as low as we can. One way to do that is by equipping new residents with shared tools and equipment to maintain sidewalks, driveways and yards, in addition to bear-proof refuse containers. We plan to provide shared lawn mowers, weed trimmers, snowblowers and other equipment to be stored in a prefabricated shed. This will keep costs low, maintain thoughtful landscaping, and foster a sense of community. Creating a pool of shared resources for the

Haystack Woods community makes financial sense—it means that individual households will not bear the expense of acquiring lawn mowers
and other equipment–while also fostering a can-do community spirit and strengthening ties among the residents. Monthly HOA fees will include funds for repairs to equipment once it is purchased.