We're looking for VHFA home mortgage loan customers, as well as renters of VHFA-financed apartments, to join our collection of success stories.

"Now, more than ever, it's important organizations like VHFA be able to demonstrate the good results of our work," according to Executive Director Sarah Carpenter.

"With government bailouts and growing national debt on everyone's minds, it's important we point out that VHFA and many of the nation's other housing finance agencies are self-sustaining. Our housing finance tools and tax credits are essential to improving stability and vibrancy in Vermont communities."

VHFA has partnered with the Technical Assistance Collaborative (TAC) of Boston, Mass., to be a U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD)-funded technical assistance provider.

HUD recently awarded TAC $1 million in Special Needs Assistance Programs (SNAPS) to assist states and local communities to meet the needs of homeless people, including chronically homeless individuals, veterans, and families.

TAC will use these resources to assist states, local governments, non-profit organizations, and Continuum of Care planning groups to understand and implement new requirements codified in the Homeless Emergency and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) Act.

The Vermont Department of Economic, Housing, & Community Development and CVOEO's Fair Housing Project present "Removing Barriers to Strengthen Communities: Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing at the Local Level" next month.

The workshop will offer important information to municipal planners, realtors, lenders, affordable housing developers, property managers and town officials. Topics include:

Nearly $77,000 is coming to Vermont from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to help families find decent housing and to prevent future foreclosures.

The Central Vermont Community Action Council in Barre and Bennington-Rutland Opportunity Council in Rutland will share $76,882.73 in HUD grants.