VHFA Policy and Planning Manager Maura Collins will teach a Housing Policy course this fall at the University of Vermont.

The graduate-level class will teach future public administrators (local planners, municipal officials, non-profit leaders, social workers, and others) about the history of housing policy in the U.S., current trends and models, fundamentals of financing and development, the "green" housing movement, as well as in-depth analysis of the current mortgage meltdown and resulting foreclosures.

The 14-week class will be an overview of most aspects of housing policy, including affordable housing.

It starts Sept. 4 and will be offered on the Burlington campus Thursdays from 4-7 p.m.

VHFA staff members and family enjoyed a Lake Monsters game at Burlington's Centennial Field last night.

The Lake Monsters scored a season-high six runs in the bottom of the third inning for a 7-3 lead and went on to beat the Aberdeen Ironbirds 9-5.

The event was the Agency's annual summer outing.

Get more details on the game at the Lake Monsters site.

Pictured: Hannah Cawley shares some face time with Lake Monsters mascot Champ.

VHFA's Socially Responsible Committee has devised a way to help stock the local food shelf:

Each day next week, any staff member who brings in a non-perishable food item for the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf will earn the right to dress according to the Agency's "casual" dress policy, something usually reserved for Fridays.

Current economic conditions have put a lot of pressure on local social service organizations, especially food shelves. If you'd like to learn what you can do to help benefit those in need, visit the food shelf Web site to see the types of items that are in need, or to make an online cash contribution.

This is the second of several quick bios we'll blog of speakers scheduled to appear at the Vermont Statewide Housing Conference, Nov. 18 in South Burlington.

Read about other speakers scheduled to present at the event and register to attend at the conference Web site.

Linda Ryan is an important figure in the Vermont Coalition to End Homelessness. She has spearheaded the group's legislative advocacy for the past several years.