New national research from the Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation finds that children who grow up in housing funded by the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program (LIHTC) program are more likely to enroll in higher education programs and have higher earnings as adults. The federal LIHTC program, which is administered in Vermont by VHFA, is the largest single source of funding for affordable rental housing development in the state.

Recently on Recovery Day at the Statehouse, the Vermont Alliance of Recovery Residences (VTARR) announced the establishment of Jenna’s Fund, which provides financial support for recovery housing for Vermonters overcoming substance use disorders. The initiative is funded in large part by a $90,000 grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (FHLB), obtained by Vermont Housing and Finance Agency (VHFA).

This week marked VHFA’s offering of the lowest interest rates in the agency’s history for Vermont homebuyers. Rates as low as 3.0% became available on 30-year mortgages made through VHFA’s programs, available exclusively through its statewide network of participating lenders.

“This rate helps us extend the dream of homeownership to more people than ever before,” said VHFA Executive Director Maura Collins. “Every quarter point we can lower interest rates puts the monthly payment on a typical Vermont home within the range affordable for more potential first-time home buyers.

Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) is proud to announce that it has signed the Vermont Equal Pay Compact through the Vermont Commission on Women. The compact is a pledge by Vermont employers to show their commitment to closing the wage gap. The Vermont Commission on Women offers signers support and strategies for creating an equitable workforce.

“VHFA is excited to show its support for building fairer workplaces,” explained Steve Gronlund, VHFA’s Director of Human Resources and Administration. “Not only is it the right thing to do, it will also encourage the Agency in its ongoing effort to recruit and retain a highly qualified and motivated workforce,” Gronlund continued.