The State of Vermont has renewed funding for the First Generation Homebuyer Program. Originally released as a pilot program in 2022, the program is now widely available and offers eligible homebuyers a $15,000 grant to help with down payment and closing costs. Interested homebuyers can now apply through any local VHFA participating lender (bank, credit union, or mortgage company).

The Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development is seeking comments on its application for an $8.5 million HUD PRO (Pathways to Removing Obstacles) Housing award. This award would fund removal of barriers to affordable housing by a consortium of public and non-profit agencies in Vermont.  

University of Vermont (UVM) graduate student Will Anderson (he/him) has been named the Fall 2023 Vermont Housing Fellow. The Vermont Housing Fellowship program is intended to provide the Fellow with valuable experience aiding his professional development. Anderson will receive a financial stipend to conduct housing needs research and help update information on VHFA’s Housing Data website (www.housingdata.org).

Last week, the Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) Board of Commissioners awarded Vermont State Affordable Housing Tax Credits for homeownership development projects across the state. Once sold to investors, the credits will yield nearly $3 million in equity for downpayment assistance for newly constructed or substantially rehabilitated single-family homes as well as energy-efficient manufactured homes. Additionally, Commissioners awarded more than $8.5 million as part of the Missing Middle-Income Homeownership Development Program, which will create 180 homes across the state. Combined, these investments will support the construction or substantial rehabilitation of at least 254 homes.