More than 100 supporters traveled to the Statehouse for the recent Legislative Day to build awareness and support for the Vermont Housing & Conservation Coalition.
Partner organizations
HUD fights loan modification scams
Last Friday, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Loan Modification Scam Prevention Network launched PreventLoanScams.org, a site where homeowners can report alleged scams.
"Homeowners at risk of foreclosure can be easy prey for home loan modification scammers. Troubled homeowners lose time and money when they are tricked by con artists who promise to help but never do,” said John Trasviña, HUD Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.
Lambert named USDA/RD Director for Vermont
Our friends at USDA/Rural Development have a new State Director for Vermont and New Hampshire.
Molly Lambert of Swanton has been confirmed in the position.
Molly's a former President of the Vermont Captive Insurance Association who served as Secretary of Commerce and Community Development in the cabinet of Gov. Howard Dean from 1998 to 2002.
Rural Development administers more than 40 housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs from 500 offices nationwide.
Past VHFA Board chairman praises VHCB
The Barre-Montpelier Times Argus published an opinion piece today by former VHFA Board of Commissioners Chairman Richard White.
In the piece, titled "State conservation board's work is essential," Richard writes, "It is no accident that Vermont ranks last in the country in the rate of foreclosure or that the 2004 study of Vermont's housing nonprofits had high praise for the system that Vermont has built over the last quarter century.
"Our local banks engaged in responsible lending, and regional housing agencies have provided homeownership counseling and foreclosure intervention work for years.
Gutchell re-elected to CHT Board
Members of Champlain Housing Trust (CHT) re-elected VHFA Controller Tim Gutchell to the CHT Board of Directors. Tim was also selected Treasurer for the Board.
Tim was one of six directors elected at the CHT annual meeting held this past Saturday: Frank Lenti and Willie Pearson, both of Burlington, Resident members; Albin D. Voegele, Town Manager of Colchester, public member; and John E. Davis of Burlington and Rosalyn Graham, general members.
Section 8 applications now taken online
Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA) has started allowing Vermonters to apply online for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program.
The new system, which went live last week, allows applicants to complete their application in 3-5 minutes at www.waitlistcheck.com. They can return to the site later to track the progress of their application by entering their year of birth and Social Security number.
DEHCD announces more community meetings
The Vermont Department of Economic, Housing and Community Development (DEHCD) is looking for assistance in determining Vermont’s Consolidated Plan for 2010-2015.
The department's holding a series of community meetings — which we posted about Dec. 4 ("Help Develop Vermont's Consolidated Plan") — and has announced three more meeting dates:
New officers at VHMA
The Vermont Housing Managers Association has announced new officers:
- President, Liz Genge
Property Manager, Central Vermont Community Land Trust - Vice President, Brian Roy
President, DKM Consulting - Secretary, Tracy Robertson
- Treasurer, Kim Fitzgerald
Director of Operations, Cathedral Square Corp.
The VHMA Education Committee is chaired by Heidi Setien and includes:
Offer HUD your suggestions
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is looking for ideas on how to improving housing.
The department has created "HUD Ideas in Action," a Web site devoted to collecting ideas on how to invest in quality, affordable homes and build strong, safe, healthy communities.
Anyone can submit ideas to the site, and vote and comment on other people's ideas.
Help develop Vermont's Consolidated Plan
The Vermont Department of Economic, Housing and Community Development (DEHCD) is looking for assistance in determining Vermont's Consolidated Plan for 2010-2015.
Vermont’s Consolidated Plan, revised every five years, guides the investment of more than $13 million the state receives each year from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The money funds three grant programs: Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) and Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG).