The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation has named Vermont a finalist in a competition for up to $5 million to help preserve and improve affordable housing.
The state's proposal, submitted by Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) and the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB), is one of 21 finalists selected from more than 80 submissions.
Vermont's initiative would use the funding to support state rental housing preservation efforts targeted at more than 8,000 apartments in 123 towns over the next decade.
The foundation will eventually award a total of $35 million in grants and low-interest loans to 10 winners in early 2009.
Learn more about the MacArthur Foundation's housing initiative and Vermont's proposal: Read the press release.