The recent recession pushed the number of renters who pay more than half their income for housing to record levels, according to a report released today by the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS).

The report, “America’s Rental Housing: Meeting Challenges, Building on Opportunities," finds even prior to the recession, long-term increases in rents and utility costs combined with falling renter incomes put strain on many renters’ budgets.

The recession made matters worse, increasing the cost burden on working and middle class Americans.

VHFA has selected The Reznick Group of Baltimore, Md., for the purpose of auditing its financial statements.

The company received the job as a result of our RFP process in March.

Sam Falzone was the first winner in VHFA's "Five-Week Wellness Challenge."

Sam was selected at random from all staff members who participated in Week #1 of the challenge to receive a gift certificate from City Market.

The challenge is a progressive fitness program that encourages staff members to make small improvements to their health each week. For this week — Week #2 — staff are encouraged to get up and get moving, and drink more water.

How much is enough? Divide your body weight by two, and that's the number of ounces of water your body needs daily. Learn more about water and wellness.

VHFA's Housing Acquisition and Rehabilitation Program (HARP) was the subject of a story in last week's St. Albans Messenger.

VHFA purchases foreclosed homes from other lending institutions through the program. We then make extensive improvements to them before offering them at greatly reduced prices thanks to Vermont Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) funds.

HARP's an economic stimulus success story — creating jobs for Vermont builders; more affordable homes for Vermont buyers.