Based on feedback from property managers and apartment seekers, VHFA launched this week a redesigned, user-friendly Vermont Directory of Affordable Rental Housing at www.housingdata.org. We improved search tools and expanded the site to include more information people looking for an apartment need, such as rent and income limits, property photos, proximity to public transportation, accessibility features and pet policies.
Legislature passes largest affordable housing bond in state history
With the passing of the State budget and enactment of a bond that could produce $35 million, Vermont is making its largest single commitment ever of state dollars for affordable housing. VHFA will issue the revenue bond and the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) will administer the funds statewide to expand Vermont’s stock of permanently affordable housing.
Resources for finding out about homelessness in Vermont improved
The Vermont Council on Homelessness has a new website providing information about the state's initiatives to help end homelessness. The responsibilities of the Council include development, monitoring and periodic revision of Vermont’s Plan to End Homelessness.
U.S. Census director resigns while data users strategize at annual conference
John Thompson addressed hundreds of data users at their annual conference Thursday while news broke of his abrupt resignation as director of the U.S. Census Bureau. Several experts pointed out the great challenges Thompson’s resignation creates.
Homelessness fell by 12 percent last year in Chittenden County
The annual count of people living in Chittenden County who are homeless decreased by 12% from the previous year, according to the Chittenden County Homeless Alliance. This continues a declining trend that has brought the number of people who are homeless in the county down 45% over the past four years.
Need an affordable apartment?
Need an affordable apartment or know someone who does? There are vacancies in 23 different apartment complexes across the state, according to the Vermont Directory of Affordable Rental Housing.
Federal assistance is critical to housing poorest Vermonters
Housing affordability challenges in high-cost cities often overshadow the enormous housing challenges in rural America. Though the situation is more extreme in metro areas, rural areas and small towns also face significant shortages of affordable and available rental housing, as most very low-income Vermonters well know.
$35 million bond would have long-lasting benefits
Housing developers, business leaders, smart growth policy experts and poverty advocates joined together to support the passage of a $35 million housing bond this afternoon at a press conference at Vermont’s State House in Montpelier.