Even though the state’s economy is recovering by many indicators, economists project a continued decline in Vermont home prices and foreclosure rates hovering at an all-time high through at least mid-2011.

All states except North Dakota experienced home sales declines in January-March 2010 relative to 12 months earlier, according to Federal Housing Finance Agency repeat sales indices.

The extent of Vermont’s home price decline has been far less severe than most states. In fact, only seven states fared better when looking at the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s first quarter 2010 data.

Folks from VHFA, Champlain Housing Trust (CHT) and Housing Vermont recently joined residents and other guests in celebrating the completion of improvements to Pleasant Street Apartments in Enosburg Falls.

VHFA Chief of Program Operations David Adams is pictured speaking at the event.

The number of homeless families in the U.S. rose for the second year in a row, according to The 2009 Annual Assessment Report to Congress recently completed by HUD.

This rise shows the impact of the economic downturn “on the housing stability of low-income and vulnerable Americans,” the report explains.

Episodes of homelessness also appeared to increase in severity as families’ stays in shelters became longer, with the median number of nights rising from 30 in 2008 to 36 in 2009. Of all homeless people who stayed in shelters during the year, 35% were adults and children in families.

Union Square Apartments, an affordable housing development in Windsor formerly known as Armory Square, was the subject of a story in yesterday's Valley News.

Writer Bret Yager details some of the changes the property has undergone since it reopened under its new name eight months ago following rennovations.

VHFA provided financing and Tax Credits to Union Square.

Read the story online.