Reports analyzing Chittenden County's housing needs, economic development, natural resources, transportation, land use, education, public health and energy issues have been completed for the ECOS project. All communities, organizations and residents are encouraged to review and comment on these reports by December 31 through the ECOS website. VHFA prepared the housing needs report in collaboration with ECOS project partners.
Managing the needs of VT's homeless on VPR at noon
Jane Lindholm at Vermont Public Radio (VPR) will discuss Vermont's homeless today at noon and again at 7PM.
The recent Occupy protests in Burlington brought to light problems of mental illness and substance abuse among some homeless people, but advocates say that doesn’t tell the whole story. In today's story, VPR looks at the entrenched issues facing some of Vermont’s homeless population and the resources to help them. Guests are Matt Young, supervisor of the Howard Center's Street Outreach Team in Burlington, and Rita Markley, executive director of COTS, the Committee On Temporary Shelter.
The story was produced by VPR's Patti Daniels.
Last chance to register for federal Irene-recovery assistance
Vermonters affected by Irene have until midnight tonight, November 15 to register online for assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and to apply for low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Phone registrations will be accepted until 10:00 p.m., EST.
To date, 6,945 individuals and families have registered and more than $19.8 million in grants has been approved for home repairs or replacement, rental assistance, and other needs while another $23.4 million in low-interest disaster loans – $14 million in home loans and $9.4 million in business loans – has been approved by the SBA.