By: Mia Watson

November 16, 2018

Doug Hemmings, President of Vermont Resident Service Coordinators (VRSC), passed away this week after a brief illness.

In addition to his work with VRSC, Hemmings was Resident & Community Services Coordinator at Highgate Apartments in Barre since 2006. Of his work in resident services, Hemmings said, “At times, I am a counselor, conflict resolution specialist, cruise director, lease compliance cop, professional good listener and chief cook and bottle washer; it all depends on the day and the resident issues.”

Hemmings also served on the Board of Children’s Literary Foundation and was a long-time volunteer on the New England Resident Service Coordinators (NERSC) conference planning team.

Through VRSC and NERSC, many VHFA staff had a chance to work with and become friends with Doug and his family. “This is a great loss not only for the families at Highgate, but for the Resident Service Coordinators statewide, as so many of us looked to Doug to learn from his experiences,” said Sarah Carpenter, VHFA’s Executive Director. “He was a kind and generous man who was genuinely dedicated to helping support residents.”

Throughout his career, Hemmings was a tireless advocate for children, families, and the most vulnerable. His leadership and commitment to social justice was an inspiration to many in the Vermont housing community.   He will be missed by his colleagues at VHFA.