New England Federal Credit Union (NEFCU) President/CEO John J. Dwyer, Jr. announced today a $500,000 grant from NEFCU to Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) to address the area’s shortage of housing affordable to Vermonters with low and moderate incomes. The money will support construction and renovation costs for perpetually affordable homes in Bristol, Jericho and several other towns. 

“This investment will help address the shortage of affordable housing in the area, which impacts not only our residents but also businesses and communities,” Dwyer remarked. “We believe that improving the affordability of homes in the counties we serve creates a cascade of benefits that help make the region more economically healthy in the long run,” he continued.

Doug Hemmings, President of Vermont Resident Service Coordinators (VRSC), passed away this week after a brief illness.

In addition to his work with VRSC, Hemmings was Resident & Community Services Coordinator at Highgate Apartments in Barre since 2006. Of his work in resident services, Hemmings said, “At times, I am a counselor, conflict resolution specialist, cruise director, lease compliance cop, professional good listener and chief cook and bottle washer; it all depends on the day and the resident issues.”

Hemmings also served on the Board of Children’s Literary Foundation and was a long-time volunteer on the New England Resident Service Coordinators (NERSC) conference planning team.

Over 400 housing professionals from across Vermont came together this week at the Hilton Burlington to discuss strategies to promote stable, affordable housing. The high level of attendance at the conference reflected the concern that many Vermont communities feel over the increasing cost of housing in their communities.

“This opportunity to connect and learn about new paths to addressing housing imbalances in Vermont communities could not come at a better time,” remarked Vermont Housing Finance Agency Executive Director Sarah Carpenter. “We are hearing much more frequently from our municipal partners that they are ready to look at new ways to expand housing opportunities in their jurisdictions,” she continued.