Rural and Proud Epicenter Press Release
Builds the first multi-unit affordable housing development within 50 miles in nearly 40 years
GREEN RIVER, Utah – March 26, 2025 – In the idyllic shadow of some of the most dramatic natural landscapes in the world hides a local housing crisis. It’s one that Epicenter, an affordable housing nonprofit, is working diligently to engage local funders to find a solution.
That’s where the Wells Fargo Foundation stepped in, providing critical grant funding to support housing access and affordability in Utah.
The result? Canal Commons, the first multi-unit rural Utah affordable housing development built within 50 miles of Green River in nearly 40 years.
“In part from the grant funding from Wells Fargo, we have been able to start to change the affordable housing picture in this scenic part of rural Utah,” said Epicenter Executive Director Maria Sykes. “We began construction on five new affordable rental housing units and have another five or more in the planning stage in the next year or two. The impact we are making together is helping to solve this critical need in our community and the entire state of Utah.”
“Affordable housing is a dire need across Utah, especially in the rural areas,” said Wells Fargo Utah Regional Branch Network Executive Matt Bloye. “Through key relationship building and having a focus on the local community we can work together to find solutions that make important impacts. Epicenter is making that difference.”
Along with the Wells Fargo grant, Epicenter raised a total of $1.2 million in funding to build new affordable housing in Green River. They are also using the grants to foster more tools needed to develop even more homes in rural Utah.
For example, they have activated Emery County’s Community Reinvestment Agency fund to start granting funds to affordable housing projects. They also hosted two affordable housing panels, including one featuring Governor Cox’s Senior Advisor for Housing Strategy.
“Wells Fargo’s support continues to be critical as we move forward making a local impact to this important statewide housing issue,” Sykes added.
About Epicenter
Epicenter stewards creative initiatives that combine art, architecture, and rural investment in order to build a more resilient, equitable, and vibrant local community.
For more information about Epicenter, please check out our website at www.ruralandproud.org.
Source: etvnews.com
