Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) has released its third annual report for the Housing Investments for Vermont (HIVE) Fund. VHFA recently changed the name of VHFA's investment fund to HIVE to reduce confusion with state programs with similar acronyms and to better symbolize the collaborate and dynamic nature of the fund. 

VHFA is pleased to announce Mascoma Bank has joined as a participating lender and is now offering VHFA programs and benefits to eligible homebuyers. Founded in 1899, Mascoma operates as a certified B corporation and brings a purpose driven approach to its customers and community. 

Earlier this summer the Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) Board of Commissioners awarded just under $10 million from Vermont's newly launched Rental Revolving Loan Fund (RRLF). These awards will fund development of 265 apartments in nine Vermont communities across the state. 

The RRLF was created as part of Vermont's Housing Opportunities Made for Everyone (HOME) Act, which was signed into law on June 5, 2023. The Act created RRLF to incentivize the creation and preservation of rental housing for middle-income households earning between 65%-150% of the Area Median Income (AMI).  A middle-income two-person Vermont household making 100% AMI is currently defined as having annual income of $82,000-$95,000 depending on location. 

A consortium of Vermont housing and community development partners are assessing the Vermont landscape for off-site construction (including panelized construction), modular, and manufactured home initiatives.  As local and state policy makers take steps to meet housing needs, the potential of advanced construction approaches continues to draw significant interest. Advocates point to benefits in terms of cost savings, labor, volume, climate and design and building standardization.