Earlier this week, the Local Support and Community Action Team released its interim report with recommendations on how Vermont can begin its recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. The team is a part of the Economic Mitigation and Recovery Task Force charged by Governor Scott with identifying recovery initiatives and best practices. VHFA Executive Director Maura Collins is a member of the Action Team.
Partner organizations
The ABCs of ADUs: An Informational Webinar
AARP Vermont and HomeShare VT are co-sponsoring a free informational webinar with housing experts and Burlington Planning & Zoning staff on Thursday, June 4th from 12- 1PM.
The webinar will address the benefits of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), share architectural design ideas, the latest zoning regulations passed by City Council, and the steps required to get an ADU permitted and built in the city of Burlington.
ADUs are small houses or apartments that exist on the same property lot as a single-family residence. This once-popular home type is re-emerging as an affordable and flexible housing option that meets the needs of demographics such as older adults and young families.
Upcoming webinars from New England Resident Service Coordinators, Inc.
Focusing, Collaborating, and Supporting Autonomy: Key Strategies for Effective Change Conversations
New England Resident Service Coordinators, Inc. (NERSC) is hosting a virtual workshop led by Ali Hall (JD) that will teach participants skills and strategies to focus a shared agenda and exchange information in a style that is collaborative and supportive of autonomy, so that resident service professionals can create a positive climate for their residents’ success. Participants will have an opportunity to practice these skills and look at applied examples related to aging in place, reducing fall risk, engaging with families, and connecting with community resources.
When: Tuesday, May 26th, 2020, 10:30am-12:00pm Eastern Time
Vermont Office of Economic Opportunity issues RFP for Family Supportive Housing
The Vermont Office of Economic Opportunity in the Department for Children and Families is now accepting proposals for the Phase IV Expansion of the Family Supportive Housing program for FY21. Family Supportive Housing places families experiencing homelessness into housing and provides long-term, intensive service coordination and case management to help families keep housing.
VHFA awards federal and state tax credits to develop and preserve affordable housing
The Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) Board of Commissioners announced on Monday the award of federal and state housing tax credits and loans to support the development, rehabilitation or preservation of 104 permanently affordable apartments in six communities across the state.
VHFA previously awarded federal allocated or Ceiling tax credits in March. The latest funding round includes additional federal Bond credits, Vermont Affordable Housing Tax Credits and permanent and construction loans issued by VHFA.
Help identify high impact strategies for promoting Vermont’s recovery
The Local Support and Community Action Team of the State of Vermont Economic Mitigation and Recovery Task Force needs your help prioritizing high impact ideas and actions identified by diverse stakeholders for COVID-19 recovery. The task force was established by Governor Scott to help mitigate the short-term economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and develop strategies for long-term business and community recovery.
Please share your views in this quick survey on or before Tuesday, May 12th.
Looking for affordable rental housing?
Are you or is someone you know in need of an affordable apartment? According to the Vermont Directory of Affordable Rental Housing, there are current vacancies in 47 affordable housing complexes throughout the state. Learn more about specific units by clicking on the development name below, or by visiting the vacancy profiles on the website.
AHP funding application opens June 8
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (FHLBB)'s 2020 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) will begin to accept applications on June 8, 2020. The program will award approximately $18.1 million in grants and low-interest loans through member institutions to organizations promoting homeownership and rental housing opportunities for low income households.
Vermont Statewide Housing Conference cancelled for 2020
Every other November after Election Day for the past 20 years, the Vermont Statewide Housing Conference has drawn hundreds of Vermonters interested in affordable housing together.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has made the outlook for large events in 2020 highly uncertain. For this reason, the multi-agency committee responsible for planning this popular conference has decided not to proceed with the conference slated for November 2020.
Updates needed to Vermont's list of vacant subsidized rental homes
To help re-house Vermonters in living quarters rendered unsafe by COVID-19, owners and managers of Vermont's subsidized apartments are encouraged to list all vacancies on the Vermont Housing Data website. In addition to Vermonters who find themselves in need of rental housing, HUD and FEMA both use this vacancy list to coordinate disaster recovery.