Housing preserved by federal and state tax credits -- awarded by VHFA – was recently highlighted as a national example of effective use of public dollars. The $12 million in equity raised by the credits, along with other efforts led by VHFA to keep apartments in the Bobbin Mill and Wharf Lane buildings near Burlington’s waterfront affordable, are the subject of a recent HUD newsletter. 

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.

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!