Amidst songs, odes, laughs and tears, VHFA staff celebrated the many achievements and enduring friendships of Sam Falzone.  Sam is retiring this week, after a distinguished 38 years at VHFA directing the agency’s rental housing programs. 

Sam’s commitment to preserving and monitoring Vermont’s stock of affordable rental housing benefited thousands of low-income renters across the state.  More than 8,600 much-needed affordable apartments financed through the housing tax credits and direct loans provided by VHFA are monitored by Sam’s department.

John Thompson addressed hundreds of data users at their annual conference Thursday while news broke of his abrupt resignation as director of the U.S. Census Bureau. Several experts pointed out the great challenges Thompson’s resignation creates. Meanwhile, Census officials and analysts strategized about how to most effectively use the Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) estimates to provide much-needed information about conditions facing the population. 

The annual count of people living in Chittenden County who are homeless decreased by 12% from the previous year, according to the Chittenden County Homeless Alliance. This continues a declining trend that has brought the number of people who are homeless in the county down 45% over the past four years. The Chittenden County Homeless Alliance, which VHFA has partnered with since 2003, is a coalition of individuals, organizations, and government who support a vision of a safe, decent, affordable, stable home for every person and family in Chittenden County.

The Vermont Senate has passed a bill (S.100) to enact a $35 million housing bond to spur the construction and rehabilitation of affordable housing across the State.  The bill is now in the House with just a few days to go until adjournment.  Recommended in Governor Scott's budget proposal, the housing bond would address a significant need for affordable housing in Vermont, help to alleviate homelessness, house the workforce, and provide expanded homeownership opportunities for Vermonters.