December 2025

ShelterJH awarded Catalyst Grant

We are so excited to announce we have been awarded a Catalyst Grant from the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole!⁠

ShelterJH was founded to build community power to address the systemic issues causing housing insecurity in Teton County. This work takes dedication and strategic thinking, and we’re so grateful that the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole recognizes the importance of our collective endeavor.⁠

The future of Nelson Drive

In case you missed it, this month there were multiple community conversations about the future neighborhood at Nelson Drive.⁠⁠

We weighed in before, during, and after these deliberations at the Town of Jackson level.⁠ On December 15, the Town Council voted 4-1 to spend $4.05 million on 6 rental rights at the new neighborhood on Nelson Drive. ⁠

As the project moves ahead, the County Commission has yet to make a decision on the Housing Trust’s identical request for County SPET funds. ShelterJH will continue to show up, ask hard questions, and push for the best possible outcomes for our community. ⁠

“Not for us, not like us”

Recently, signs reading “Affordable Housing First,” “Superfluous,” and “Not For Us, Not Like Us” appeared on the fencing around the new Cache and Pearl development, reigniting the ongoing conversation around the development in our community and who it is serving.⁠

We know that certain developments (i.e., homes locals can actually afford) support the local community more than others; however, our current Land Development Regulations (LDRs) allow luxury hotels easily in certain zones, while mystifying affordable residential options for developers. ⁠

The good news is, we can change the laws! ShelterJH supported the commercial development moratorium last year to better understand opportunities for regulatory reform. When the moratorium passed, we weighed in with substantive ideas for LDR changes aimed at providing an easier pathway to provide homes locals can access. There is still ~plenty~ of room for improvement!⁠

While we understand the sentiments behind this action, lasting change to LDRs comes from informed community participation and political engagement. ShelterJH exists to turn shared concern into collective action—join us and be part of shaping Jackson’s future!⁠

New Accessible Home Improvement Loan

Check it out: this new 0% interest loan program helps homeowners make critical upgrades that support mobility, safety, and independence. From ramps and grab bars to lighting and smart-home controls, these investments help people stay in their homes and remain part of our community.⁠

Programs like this support seniors and people living with disabilities at a fraction of the cost of new construction.⁠ If this could help you or someone you know, contact the Housing Department ASAP!

Hot Topics in Housing

ShelterJH members share relevant media pieces with one another through our Google Group. Here are what our conversations have been about this month: