This month Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) joined partners at ribbon-cutting ceremonies at Lincoln Place in Rutland and Red Clover Commons in Brattleboro. The two projects together created 37 new apartments, all of which will be paired with supportive services to help residents live independently.
Partner organizations
Interview with VAHC Director David Martins
In another installment of VHFA's housing video series, VHFA Executive Director Maura Collins interviews David Martins, who was appointed Director of the Vermont Affordable Housing Coalition (VAHC) this July.
In the video, Martins explains how VAHC helps organize Vermont housing organizations to advocate for the interests of low-income Vermonters. He describes some of their recent community advocacy activities and plans to build VAHC's membership.
Spotlight on ARPA resources for affordable housing
In the newest installment of VHFA's housing video series, VHFA Executive Director Maura Collins interviews Vermont Housing & Conservation Board Policy Director Jennifer Hollar on how federal American Rescue Plan Act pandemic recovery funding is being used to create new affordable homes for Vermonters.
The interview discusses how $144 million in new state and federal funding is being allocated, with 1,158 new homes expected to be created by the end of 2023. Already, 459 of those homes have been designated for Vermonters who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
NEFCU announces $3 million investment in VHFA housing fund
New England Federal Credit Union (NEFCU) President/CEO John J. Dwyer, Jr. announced at a press conference held today at their headquarters in Williston a $3 million contribution to Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA)’s Housing Investment fund. The money will be awarded by VHFA over the next three years to developers to address Vermont’s critical need for affordable rental housing and homeownership opportunities.
“The housing shortage in Vermont, already a crisis, has been made even worse by recent events,” noted Dwyer. “Major, immediate action is needed. In line with our ongoing mission of community support, we are beginning a comprehensive campaign that will provide multiple solutions to this complex challenge.”
Groundbreaking celebrated at Bayview in South Hero
Last week, VHFA joined Governor Scott and housing partners in South Hero for a groundbreaking ceremony at Bayview Crossing. The project, developed by Cathedral Square Corporation, will create 30 mixed-income apartments for senior residents. The project will receive the majority of its funding from federal credits and a loan awarded by VHFA.
"We know housing, especially housing working Vermonters and retirees and can afford, is a tremendous need in Vermont, all across Vermont," remarked Governor Scott.
RFP reissued for equity in housing initiative
The Vermont Housing & Conservation Board updated and re-issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) last week regarding the design and launch of a statewide initiative to address racial justice and equity in housing. The initiative will be guided by a steering committee comprised of representatives from NeighborWorks Alliance of Vermont, NeighborWorks America, VHFA, and other to-be-identified stakeholders. The goal of the initiative is to examine how racial inequities impact Black, Indigenous, and People of Color living in Vermont and identify actions, on both policy and programmatic levels, which expand access to affordable housing for all Vermonters.
Vermont Coalition to End Homelessness issues RFP
The Vermont Coalition to End Homelessness has issued a Request for Proposals to be funded by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) as part of the FY2021 CoC Program Notice of Funding Availability.
The Vermont Coalition to End Homelessness is the Vermont Balance of State Continuum of Care (VT BoS CoC), which serves Vermonters experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The VT BoS CoC geographic area encompasses all counties in Vermont except Chittenden County. Applications will be submitted to the Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA), who serves as the “Collaborative Applicant”.
Ribbon-cutting celebrated for Manchester Knoll and Woodland Station
VHFA joined housing partners in Bennington earlier this week for a ribbon-cutting for Manchester Knoll and Woodland Station. The project, developed by Shires Housing, rehabilitated and preserved 27 affordable apartments located in Manchester and Bennington. The project received federal and state tax credits and a loan awarded by VHFA.
Housing discrimination survey
The Fair Housing Project of CVOEO and the Vermont Human Rights Commission are conducting a survey on the prevalence of housing discrimination in Vermont. The results will be used to design better strategies to ensure fair and equitable housing choice for everyone. The survey deadline is July 30, 2021.
RFP issued for initiative to increase equity in Vermont's housing work
The Vermont Housing & Conservation Board issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) this week regarding the design and launch of a statewide initiative to address racial justice and equity in housing. The initiative will be guided by a steering committee comprised of representatives from NeighborWorks Alliance of Vermont, NeighborWorks America, VHFA, and other to-be-identified stakeholders. The goal of the initiative is to examine how racial inequities impact Black, Indigenous, and People of Color living in Vermont and identify actions, on both policy and programmatic levels, which expand access to affordable housing for all Vermonters.