We thought Champlain Housing Trust's winning an international award from the United Nations's UN HABITAT earlier this week was pretty big news. (Read our previous post about the award.) Apparently, we weren't the only ones.
The Burlington Free Press writes in an editorial published this morning, the award "is a timely recognition of a worthy effort when affordable housing is such a critical issue in Vermont."
Read the entire editorial that appeared in today's paper.
Today President Bush signed into law the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HR 3221). The measure provides housing organizations with a number of new tools to help slow home foreclosures and finance affordable houses and apartments.
The new legislation is a major step forward for Vermonters and the nation, according to our Executive Director Sarah Carpenter, but the work isn't finished yet.
"The provisions to help homeowners in trouble and to stabilize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac got a lot of attention recently," Sarah said, "but the benefits of this legislation reach much farther.
The Housing Assistance Council (HAC) is presenting two free events in our region in August.
"Building Green for Rural Communities" is a day-and-a-half roundtable and tour taking place starting at 2 p.m. Aug. 11.
"Single-Family Housing Development" is a two-day event running Aug. 13-14. Sponsored by HUD, it's open to CHDOs and many CHDO-eligible organizations.
Both events are free and will take place at the Holiday Inn in Holyoke, Mass. HAC is offering up to $500 scholarships to organizations to help with travel and lodging.
Champlain Housing Trust (CHT) has received a World Habitat Award from UN HABITAT.
The United Nations agency, whose goal is to promote shelter for people worldwide, will present CHT officials with the award at its World Habitat Day event, Oct. 6 in Luanda, Angola.
UN HABITAT presents two such awards a year — one in the northern hemisphere and another in the southern — to recognize "practical and innovative solutions to current housing needs and problems."
News of the award was announced this morning at an event held at the Vermont Transit Bus Barns property on South Winooski Avenue, Burlington.