BRATTLEBORO-For 25 years, Westgate Housing in West Brattleboro has been a rare example of resident-controlled affordable housing, where tenants are not just residents but active decision-makers.
On May 13, the community celebrated this anniversary by dedicating its community center to Julie Maloof, a beloved board president and community activist who transformed the community through her leadership and compassion. Maloof died on Jan. 1.
The dedication ceremony honored Julie's remarkable contributions, with speakers highlighting her profound impact on the lives of residents.
"She was a daughter, sister, mother, and grandmother," said Chelsea Cogliano, acting president of Westgate Housing Inc. "She was kind and loving, and the definition of community."
Maloof served on the Westgate board for 15 years, including eight years as president. In a July 2024 interview with The Commons, she expressed her passion for building community at Westgate.
"My mission is to empower, strengthen, and radiate integrity to those around me," Maloof said.
"I want Westgate to be a little sanctuary - a place where people really feel safe," she said. "Everybody just wants to feel safe, so let's make it that way. It means we all have to work together."
Meeting the urgent need for affordable housing
Spanning 5 acres along Whetstone Brook, the 98-unit development is home to 325 to 350 residents from diverse backgrounds, including families, seniors, and working-class individuals.
"We're not just apartments," said Greg Masterson, its community director. "We're a community that actively shapes its own destiny."
Westgate was privately constructed in 1971 as a 98-unit rental housing complex under a contract with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) which guaranteed the units would remain affordable for 20 to 40 years.
It was one of four affordable housing "gate" developments in the state, which included Northgate in Burlington, Highgate in Barre, and Applegate (now Orchard Village) in Bennington.
After the initial 20-year contractual period expired and the property was at risk of being sold on the open market, the Westgate Tenants Association began organizing to prevent gentrification.
In 2000, a coalition of nonprofit organizations, led by Housing Vermont (now Burlington-based Evernorth) and Westgate residents, purchased the property. They formed the nonprofit Westgate Housing Inc. to own and manage the property.
Since then, rents have remained below market rates, with some residents paying "minimal amounts through Section 8 housing vouchers," Masterson said.
The housing complex's waiting list for certain units extends up to three years, highlighting the region's critical need for affordable housing.
According to the Brattleboro Housing Action Plan, produced by Camoin Associates in 2021, more than 500 housing units are urgently needed in Brattleboro, nearly 60% of which are needed for individuals with incomes under $50,000.
Safe and engaging spaces
Westgate's programming reflects its community spirit. From an 8-year-old girl running bingo nights to art classes, Bible study and a food bank, the housing complex creates opportunities for connection.
"We want to keep kids out of downtown and give seniors a sense of purpose," Masterson explained.
With more than 60 children on the campus, the community intentionally creates safe and engaging spaces.
"Currently, we're running a program facilitated by the Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center (BEEC) and Art in the Neighborhood, a community-based art program run by state Rep. Mollie Burke," Masterson said.
Personal stories illuminate the depth of the community. One resident's 29-year-old grandson lives with her, unable to afford independent housing. Another is a former doctor from Africa who now creates art.
Community cohesiveness has fluctuated over time.
"Before Covid, this place was bustling," recalled Aletha Campbell, a Westgate resident. "Then everything shut down." A fire that shut down the community center for over a year in 2022 further challenged residents' connections.
Safety and mutual support define the Westgate experience. Masterson noted that his work experience in mental health and development services has given him the skills to help de-escalate situations.
"There's definitely a strong component of social work with my job," he said.
Challenges persist. Board recruitment is difficult, and resident engagement fluctuates.
"Many affordable housing residents have been beaten down by systemic challenges," Masterson noted. "Engaging them is our constant work."
This News item by Ellen Pratt was written for The Commons.