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.

Residents of Hickory Street apartments in Rutland celebrated the completion of the total redevelopment of their complex at a ribbon-cutting ceremony held last week. The project, sponsored by Rutland Housing Authority and Housing Vermont, transformed a public housing development previously known as Forest Park. The project was supported by Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA), which awarded state and federal tax credits.