Fair housing

The Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) is heeding the call Governor Phil Scott made ealier this week “to reflect on what role each of us can play to end hate, racism and bigotry.” As our nation grapples with complex discussions around institutional racism, the housing industry must be a focal vehicle for both analysis of past racism and how we can work toward eradicating institutional racism in the future. To do this we need to examine the role VHFA can play to address the reality that housing policy and finance has been used to perpetuate racial inequalities.

The economic recovery is being felt among many households, with home equity wealth rising and more Millennials becoming homeowners. However, gains in homeownership have not been equally distributed among all Americans. Homeownership among black households has risen at a slower pace any other group, and the rate is currently the lowest it has been since 1970.

National Fair Housing Month is held every April to celebrate the anniversary of the passage of the 1968 Federal Fair Housing Act. At the same time, it is an opportunity to increase our efforts to end housing discrimination and raises awareness of housing rights.

Need an affordable apartment or know someone who does?  There are vacancies in 26 different apartment complexes across the state, according to the Vermont Directory of Affordable Rental Housing.

Please join VHFA in celebrating Fair Housing Month this April. This year is special as we mark the 50^th anniversary of the passage of the federal Fair Housing Act.

A new report from the Center for Investigative Reporting reveals that lenders across the United States are denying conventional mortgage loan applications for African American and Latino applicants at higher rates than comparable White applicants.

The Vermont House Committee on General, Housing and Military Affairs is holding hearings on rental housing health and safety issues. The Committee will hear from tenants, advocates, and health and housing experts on their concerns regarding unsafe rental conditions and gaps in health code enforcement.  

The Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) has released a digital version of An Illustrated Guide to Vermont Renter’s Rights. The guide is narrated by visually striking cartoons that explain tenant rights and responsibilities throughout the rental process, and suggests resources for renters who need additional assistance. The guide is currently available in English, French, Arabic, and Nepali.    

Vermont Governor Phil Scott joined legislative and housing leaders in a press conference last week to update the public on the first year progress of the Building Homes Together campaign.

Goal

In an effort to increase the availability of affordable homes in Vermont, Champlain Housing Trust teamed up with Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission and Housing Vermont to set a goal of 3,500 new homes within 5 years, with 20% of them being permanently affordable.

Executive Director Sarah Carpenter joined Brattleboro Housing Partnerships and other agencies in Brattleboro, on May 25, 2017 to celebrate the opening of Red Clover Commons, a newly constructed 55-unit building for seniors and people with disabilities. These homes are intended to  replace units at Melrose Place which were severely damaged from Tropical Storm Irene in August 2011.

The project will offer support for residents through the Support and Services at Home program (SASH). The project incorporated numerous energy efficient features including a new geothermal heating and cooling system. The building is centrally located near various public services such as public transportation, shopping and the hospital.