RANDOLPH CENTER, Vt. (WCAX) - New affordable housing opportunities are becoming available for Vermonters with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Thanks to a state law approved three years ago, a groundbreaking was held Thursday in Randolph for one of them.

Ruth Buchanan grew up at Hamesbest, a small farmhouse and barn in Randolph Center.

The property’s been in her family for over 70 years, but now it’s getting a new life, partly inspired by her daughter Laura, who has a developmental disability.

“We want her to live in a place, in a community where she can freely go anywhere, get a job, have a safe place to live,” Buchanan said.

A few years ago, Buchanan and her husband, Norm, approached Upper Valley Services about redeveloping the property.

“Housing is much-needed across

See Full Page