Housing Vermont presented two awards at its September meeting of its Board of Directors: Paul Stewart received the Michael M. Richardson Award; Marty Martinez received the Mile Jensen Award.

The Michael M. Richardson Award recognizes outstanding leadership, volunteer commitment, and the contribution of resources that enhance Housing Vermont’s ability to provide permanently affordable housing for Vermonters.

Paul is owner of Stewart Property Management and manages 90 properties and 3,500 apartments throughout New England. He received the award for his dedication to ensuring the promise of safe, affordable and attractive housing is sustained through the professional management of multifamily housing.

Fitch Ratings has assigned 'AAA' ratings to $30 million of VHFA mortgage revenue bonds.

Rating outlook for the bonds — Series 2010A and Sub-series 2009A-1 — is stable, according to Fitch.

'AAA' is the firm's highest rating.

Read more about Fitch's ratings.

This Monday, Oct. 4, Habitat for Humanity joins efforts around the world to mark World Habitat Day.

World Habitat Day's a day the United Nations has set aside to call attention to the dire need for affordable, adequate housing.

Learn more about the event.

Now through the Vermont Statewide Housing Conference, Nov. 18, we’re spotlighting speakers planning to participate in the day’s bevy of workshops. Next up: Jesse Kayan, Community Services Coordinator, Westgate Housing Inc., Brattleboro, Vt.

At Westgate, Jesse works with an enthusiastic tenant body to create a vibrant community and a healthy non-profit that's controlled by the residents of Westgate.

Before working at Westgate, he ran a women's shelter in New Orleans, La., where resident empowerment and leadership was at the core of the shelter's mission.