The number of people who stayed in Vermont's emergency shelters last year and the average length of their stays were at their highest point in a decade. According to a recent report from Vermont's Department for Children and Families (DCF), publicly-supported emergency shelters in the state served 4,303 people in July 2014 through June 2015, up from 3,934 in the prior year.

On average, people stayed in Vermont's shelters 36.8 days. This is higher than in any prior year since 2002--the earliest year for which comparable data is available. 

The American Institute of Architects, in conjunction with HUD, is now accepting entries for the 2016 Housing and Community Design Awards Program.  Owners of structures and architects licensed in the United States are invited to submit project designs of any size, budget, or style.  Only projects completed after January, 1, 2011 will be considered for the awards. All entries must be submitted electronically before November 20, 2015 at 5:00 pm EST.

The finance and accounting experts on VHFA's second floor showed their true colors today, creatively attired as a band of geeky nerds.  They had the company of most VHFA staff, who joined the fun of competing in the "Best Costume" competition with get-ups ranging from Dumbledore and cat burgler to someone dressed as an HTTP error and another as jelly beans.

From all of us at VHFA to all of Vermont's ghosts and goblins, have a safe and happy Halloween! 

The Citizens' Institute on Rural Design (CIRD) has issued a request for proposals to rural communities interested in applying for funding to host a community design workshop in 2016 or 2017.

CIRD offers annual competitive funding to six small towns or rural communities to host a two-and-ahalf day community development and design workshop. With assistance from a wide range of design, planning, and creative place making professionals, the workshops are intended to bring together local leaders from non-profits, community organizations, and government agencies to develop actionable solutions to the communities’ pressing development challenges.