The House

  • Welcoming Students

  • Practicing Hospitality

  • Celebrating Diversity

When you come to The House, there are some things that you can know are going to happen. You’re going to eat good food. Annette is a skilled and adventurous cook. She works hard to learn how to prepare food from many cultures and is always willing to experiment. Students love whatever she prepares, whether it is Ethiopian injera and doro wat, Mexican chilaquiles, or a traditional American Thanksgiving dinner. The culinary diversity reflects the students who make The House their home away from home. Annette’s cooking is a big part of the comfort that students feel. According to her favorite hashtag, her meals are so well-loved because she is #cookingwiththeholyspirit.

The table at The House has room for everyone!

And that’s another thing that will always happen when you visit The House. You will be welcomed. You’ll find that Tim and Annette will listen to you. They care about what you are doing, but even more about what you think and how you feel. They care about you. If you visit us at The House you’ll likely come back, because the best thing that you will find here is love.

You’re going to laugh while you’re at The House. Maybe it will be because someone broke a cascaróne over your head, or someone just drew an Exploding Kitten, or there are songs being sung loudly and with great joy. Maybe you’ll find yourself laughing simply because you are feeling relaxed, welcomed and at home.

Sometimes The House comes to campus! Sunday afternoons are great for special food deliveries or just a stop by to say hi! We love coming where you are, meeting new students along the way and seeing the smiles on your faces.

Hi! We are Annette and Tim Franklin and we are the

founders of The House.

The House, established as a non-profit organization in 2018, provides a safe and welcoming off-campus home for Middlebury College students, with a focus on BIPOC and international students. We celebrate diversity by practicing hospitality. In all kinds of ways, from meals and conversations, rides to the airport or a bed during winter break, we communicate to students that they are loved, valued, and accepted.

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Testimonials

  • ~Ronoh Jepkemei, Kenya, Middlebury Class of 2020

    One time when I was admitted at the hospital, Annette spent the night with me. Occasionally when I had colds in college she’d make me some warm soup and buy me cough drops. Annette read and edited my statement of purpose for my graduate school application. Annette gets me lipstick, socks…such a mom read more

  • ~Angel Ngulumbi, Tanzania, Middlebury Class of 2020

    It would have been difficult to be in the US after my graduation; let alone being in the US during this COVID situation, uncertain of what’s next and far away from my family. However, I have been at The House for months and I am still covered. I found a home away from home. read more

  • ~ Meron Benti, Ethiopia, Middlebury Class of 2019

    Ultimately, the kindness and loving nature of this family is one I have never experienced before. It definitely feels like a closer home for us all where we know there are always going to be positive vibes and a tasty home cooked meal waiting for us. read more

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