FARMINGTON — The LEAP Explosion Fund Committee is seeking creative ideas for affordable housing.

The LEAP building exploded on Sept. 16, 2019, and the LEAP Explosion Fund was created within an hour by the United Way of the Tri-Valley Area. Many donors made contributions to help those affected totaling over $218,000.

Over $164,000 has been allocated to address a diverse variety of needs, including directly to 48 affected people for basic support, including housing, food, replacement of lost items and a heating system. Funds were also allocated to the Fireman’s Benevolent Fund; various housing and commercial clean-up from the event; mental health services; and a memorial art installation. All allocation decisions have been made by a diverse committee made up of town officials, LEAP staff, EMA staff, first responders and mental health and social service providers. The committee continues to meet monthly.

Due to the extreme challenge of finding temporary and long-term housing for the 14 families who were affected at the time; the ongoing needs for affordable housing in the area, and donors’ wishes to “rebuild Farmington,” the remaining funds have been designated for an affordable housing project yet to be determined.

The committee is asking the community’s help to address the need for affordable housing in the Franklin County area. Up to $50,000 has been set aside from the fund to address the need.

· Do you have an idea for expansion of an existing building to increase housing options?

· Do you have a concept for a new housing model such as a tiny house village?

· Do you have an idea waiting to get off the ground?

Contact Megan Goodine at 207-778-3443, ext. 112, or megan@leapcommunity.org for more information and the application process. Deadline for proposals is Nov. 30.