By: Chad Simmons

May 17, 2023

The Missing Middle-Income Homeownership Development Program (Missing Middle) recently received an additional $9 million through the Fiscal Year 2023 State Budget Adjustment Act. This funding is available to both applicants who previously submitted applications earlier this year as well as new applicants to the program. All developers and builders who have projects which would be affordable under the parameters of the Missing Middle program are encouraged to apply, especially for projects in geographic areas of Vermont that were not previously awarded program funds.

Stafford Commons

Missing Middle was established to create new, modest homes throughout the state and help meet the needs of low and moderate-income households due to decades of underinvestment in homeownership and skyrocketing housing costs. As part of the first round of funding in March, VHFA awarded $14.2 million to 12 projects totaling 92 homes across eight counties.  

VHFA will accept applications until July 14th. Applicants should contact the VHFA Development staff to discuss areas of the application that will not be complete by the application due date. Staff will work with applicants to ensure the application and documentation processes are not a barrier to submitting an application. Potential applicants are encouraged to contact VHFA Development staff ([email protected]) prior to the due date of July 14th with any questions. The VHFA Board of Commissioners meeting to approve new Missing Middle awards is scheduled for September 18th. This meeting will also include awarding of State Homeownership Credits.

All applicants in Vermont are welcome to contact staff to set up site visits or discuss proposals. In the near future, VHFA staff will set-up specific visits to at least the following areas for outreach meetings: Washington/Lamoille, Rutland/Bennington, Windham, and Franklin Counties. Developers and builders are encouraged to attend these meetings to discuss any potential projects with staff directly. VHFA staff will offer a public information Webinar on May 25th from 11 am -12 pm. Click here to register for the webinar. The meeting will be recorded and posted on VHFA’s website.

All program materials can be found on the VHFA website Missing Middle-Income Homeownership Development Program page: https://www.vhfa.org/rentalhousing/developers/missing-middle-homeownership-program

  • Program Guidelines – the description of how the program works, who can apply for the program, the restrictions on eligible home buyers and eligible homes
  • Application – the application developed for the Missing Middle program
  • Development Budget – the pro forma developed for the Missing Middle program

VHFA Development staff welcome any questions about the program materials including questions about how to complete the application, development budget, or the timelines above. We can be reached at [email protected]