Homes for All launches training, pilot designs and a state-level 'preapproved' home catalog to speed missing-middle housing

Jeff Doody, community planner and project manager at the Department of Housing and Community Development, told the committee that Homes for All aims to expand production of missing-middle housing by training small-scale developers, producing a toolkit and creating a catalogue of preapproved homes to shorten approval timelines. "This is part of a three-phased effort to really boost housing production in Vermont," Doody said, listing a sold-out toolkit, workshops, individualized coaching and a newly launched intake process that has already attracted interest from across the state.

Doody described phase 3, branded "802 Homes," as a preapproved home catalog inspired by historic mail-order home models: the department will pilot ten Vermont-appropriate designs in three partner communities (Hartford, Essex Junction and Manchester) and seek state-level preapproval through Division of Fire Safety so local approvals can move faster. "Vermont will be the first state to do this," he said, and the catalog will be free and available to all Vermont developers once finished.

The committee also heard technical examples of off-site construction: volumetric modular units and panelized systems that can be manufactured indoors and delivered for rapid on-site assembly. Doody showcased case studies where modular building reduced on-site time and indicated several pilot projects are net-zero ready. "These modules are weatherized and meeting energy-efficiency standards," he said; Chris Cochran of DHCD added that banks are treating off-site-built homes similarly to site-built homes for financing once assembled.

Doody said the program has initial funding for the first phase through March 2026 and is looking for follow-on resources for sustained coaching and catalog deployment. He asked committee members to help spread word about training and to consider incentives and partnerships (manufacturers, lenders, workforce development) to scale production.