The Story Behind Stronghold Stuff
Stronghold Stuff is a store from Trinity Industries in Springfield, Vermont. It plans to start with hats and shirts that carry Scripture, and the shop is not open yet.
What does stronghold mean in the Bible?
In Nahum 1:7, the King James Version calls the LORD a strong hold:
The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.
Psalm 18:2 in the same version reads:
The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
Both verses reach for building words: a strong hold, a rock, a fortress, a high tower. That is the idea behind the store: faith you can build on.
Who is behind Stronghold Stuff?
Stronghold Stuff comes from Trinity Industries, Inc., the company of native Vermonter Brian Hernon. Trinity calls itself "a Vermont-based company that believes we are better together."
It works through three affiliate companies in mechanical work, construction and real estate. They are HB Energy Solutions, All Seasons Construction, and HomeFront Properties.
What does HomeFront Properties do with houses?
HomeFront Properties is the Trinity company that rebuilds houses.
Bought rundown. In HomeFront's words: "We are buying rundown blighted houses and fixing them up to create quality, affordable housing for people who add value to our communities."
Stripped to the studs. The crews take an old house down to the studs and then rebuild it.
Kept as rentals. "To stay true to the mission most will be held as dignified rentals." A few will be "selective fix and flips with the community in mind."
Where does the money go?
Profits from Stronghold Stuff will help fund HomeFront Properties, which rebuilds rundown houses around Springfield, Vermont into homes for working people.
Trinity Industries, Inc. and HomeFront Properties are companies, not charities, so a purchase is not a donation.
Faith, Fellowship and Focus
Trinity Industries' tagline is "Many matches. One torch." Here is the picture behind it:
"It has been a long, cold, dark night for so many people stuck in their own day-to-day survival, each of us sheltering a single match against the wind. Through faith, fellowship and focus, we bring those matches together into one torch: a light that warms, protects, and guides us toward a better future for all, and kindles the same fire and spirit in others."
Get Notified When the Shop Opens
Add your email address and we'll write to you when the shop opens and tell you what's in it. No opening date has been set. Have a question first? Send us a note.