Upper Valley MEND nears $250,000 match for affordable housing

LEAVENWORTH — Upper Valley MEND, a nonprofit based in Leavenworth, is close to securing a $250,000 match from the Sleeping Lady Foundation for its Solid Foundations Campaign, which aims to address the critical need for affordable workforce housing in the region.

The campaign, launched in 2023, initially set a target of $6.8 million. Thanks to the support of early donors and government funding, the goal was reached earlier than anticipated. The funds have been used to purchase 31 existing affordable rental units, which are currently managed as part of an affordable rental program.

MEND is now focusing on the next phase of the campaign, which involves expanding affordable housing options in the Upper Valley. The nonprofit plans to build a duplex on a donated empty lot within Leavenworth city limits. An additional $500,000 is needed for this phase.

With less than $14,000 left to raise, MEND is on the verge of unlocking the $250,000 match offered by the Sleeping Lady Foundation.

"We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support we have received thus far in our Solid Foundations Campaign," said Kaylin Bettinger, Executive Director at Upper Valley MEND. "The generosity of our donors and partners, including the Sleeping Lady Foundation and the Marson Family, underscores the collective commitment to creating thriving communities where everyone has access to safe and affordable housing."

Upper Valley MEND envisions an empowered community with equitable access to food, housing, wellness, and economic security. The nonprofit works to foster a diverse and engaged community by helping meet the basic needs of people struggling to make ends meet or facing crisis situations in the Upper Valley.

For more information about Upper Valley MEND and the Solid Foundations Campaign, visit https://www.uvmend.org/solidfoundations.