The Reids
A Salisbury Family
Shannon and Jamie Reid met in high school and have long family roots in town. Shannon loves animals and is currently working for a veterinarian. Jamie comes from a long line of volunteer firemen and says, “In my teens and early twenties I practically lived at the firehouse.” At 30, Jamie is one of the youngest members of the force. He says that sadly, “All of my buddies have moved out of town due to local housing costs.” Some still volunteer and commute into town for calls.
After graduating from high school, they struggled to find an affordable place to live. A year later, through the generosity of a local family, they moved with their newborn baby into a large apartment rent-free for a year in exchange for help with renovations. The Reids stayed in the apartment, at below market rent, for an additional three years. When their youngest son was born, with the help of generous local donors, they purchased a home through the Salisbury Housing Trust (SHT). The Reids were now on their way to building up home equity at a monthly cost similar to the cost for a small, market-rate rental apartment. In 2012, they bought a considerably larger home through additional support from the SHT, The Hotchkiss School and one of its alumni. While they still face financial challenges, they’re delighted with their home and ability to live close to family and friends in a community they love and continue to serve.
Young families like the Reids are critical to Salisbury’s future if it is to remain a healthy, vibrant community.
This article was published in The Lakeville Journal on 10/29/15.