Vermont sealed the approval of legislation this week to ease the challenges faced by residents seeking to add an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) to existing residential properties. 

ADUs are small houses or apartments that exist on the same property lot as a single-family residence. This once-popular home type is re-emerging as an affordable and flexible housing option that can help meet the growing needs of older adults and young families.

VHFA Executive Director Maura Collins traveled the western side of the state in late September to celebrate the completion of 46 newly constructed and 40 renovated perpetually affordable apartments. “Affordable housing is needed now more than ever as we begin to recover from COVID-19," Collins remarked. “In addition to providing affordable, stable homes for Vermonters, these apartments boost the local economy, connecting residents with jobs and local businesses.”  

Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released its latest report on the characteristics of tenants living in apartments funded by federal housing tax credits as of 2017. The data reveals that Vermont renters living in tax credit housing are older and more racially diverse than Vermont households overall. The report also suggests that Vermont’s subsidized apartments tend to be more affordable than those in other states. 

On August 28th, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) announced that the Chittenden County Continuum of Care (VT-501) has eradicated homelessness among veterans in Chittenden County.  
 
The announcement, sent to Mayor Kristine Lott of Winooski and Mayor Miro Weinberger of Burlington states: 
 
“We are confident that the infrastructure and systems you have built will ensure that any Veteran experiencing homelessness in the region will get the support they need to quickly obtain a permanent home.” 
 
Mayor Lott stated in an official press release: