Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) has released its second annual report for the Vermont Housing Investment Fund (VHIF). VHFA established the fund in 2020 in recognition of a growing need for more flexible financing opportunities for affordable housing development. VHIF investments are intended to fill gaps in project budgets, allowing worthwhile housing projects to move forward despite complex and changing development conditions.
Publications
Manufactured home communities: The environmental justice challenge no one is talking about
The past few years have witnessed a societal reckoning with income, class, and racial disparities, particularly as they relate to health and well-being. A number of multisector collaborations with a focus on environmental justice and social determinants of health have sprouted up and are leveraging advocacy, philanthropy, and governmental policy to address these intersectional issues.
VHFA releases VHIF Annual Report
VHFA has released its first annual report for the Vermont Housing Investment Fund (VHIF). VHFA established the fund in 2020 in recognition of a growing need for more flexible financing opportunities for affordable housing development. VHIF investments are intended to fill gaps in project budgets, allowing worthwhile housing projects to move forward despite complex and changing development conditions.
VHFA releases 2021 Annual Report
VHFA has released its 2021 Annual Report. It includes the following letter from VHFA Executive Director Maura Collins:
Report makes recommendations for supportive services coordination
A new report by the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) calls for better alignment between housing and supportive services in Vermont. The report was commissioned by the Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) and the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB). CSH convened a steering committee of leaders across the state and held a series of focus groups among providers and clients to develop solutions.
Developer survey reports widespread cost increases and delays related to pandemic
A new white paper from Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) finds that 86% of Vermont housing developers were experiencing project delays during the pandemic. The report draws from an online survey of statewide developers in August and a subsequent forum that brought together over 60 development professionals and state regulators to discuss challenges and potential solutions. Despite unprecedented state and federal funding increases from pandemic relief bills, Vermont’s development community is encountering significant challenges completing projects.
Using local ARPA funds for housing can help Vermont municipalities
VHFA and the Vermont League of Cities and Towns recently published a checklist of options for using local recovery funds provided through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to promote recovery from the pandemic through investments in housing and neighborhoods. By providing more safe, affordable housing, communities can address inequities, promote health and spur broader economic benefits. The checklist joins the many resources available to communities in the Vermont Housing-Ready toolbox.
Survey reviews barriers and incentives for affordable housing in Vermont towns
We know that housing development in Vermont has slowed in recent decades and this—combined with population growth, a decrease in household size, and wage stagnation—has led to the cost of buying and renting inching more and more out of reach for over one third of Vermonters. Though the solution will necessitate action from many sources, including federal and state government, municipalities can play a vital role in encouraging development and combating unaffordability.
VHFA launches Vermont Housing 101 video series
Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) has launched a new video series on how affordable housing works in Vermont and the important housing issues facing our state today.
Housing First initiative reports successful outcomes in Denver
Homelessness has been persistent across United States cities and states. In Vermont, the number of people experiencing homelessness has been rising slightly, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, which nearly doubled that number from 1,110 to over 2,000 at its height. As a percentage of population, Vermont has the 10th highest rate of homelessness in the country. However, new strategies across the country are being utilized to successfully place people experiencing homelessness in stable homes.