Along with unprecedented challenges, 2020 has brought a new level of gratitude for the people and organizations that comprise Vermont’s affordable housing community. In a “normal year,” we would gather together this week at the biennial Vermont Statewide Housing Conference. This conference became a trusted opportunity to renew our energy, meet new colleagues and share best practices for providing safe, affordable housing to more Vermonters.
In April 2020, shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic began, the conference was cancelled due to the uncertain future for large events. Organized by VHFA and a multi-agency planning committee, this conference has been held regularly for the past 20 years, drawing upward of 500 attendees and speakers.
Although it seems light years away, November 2022 will mark the return of this conference and many reasons to celebrate and enrich our work. Imagine the gains we can make by then in recognizing housing as the only healthy form of shelter and in battling racial inequities in our programs and organizations.
Waxing reminiscent and reflecting on the profound impact this year by the many organizations typically represented at the Vermont Statewide Housing Conference, VHFA sends our appreciation and a look back at conferences in years past.
