Drafty, inefficient homes in need of weatherization will soon have a new affordable program available to them with the launch of the Weatherization Repayment Assistance Program (WRAP). The program, funded by $9 million from the state and overseen by the Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA), will use an innovative on-bill payment model to help moderate-income Vermonters participate in comprehensive home energy projects.

WRAP will allow Vermont households to pay for qualifying weatherization projects like insulation and air sealing as well as heat pumps and advanced wood heating systems through a monthly charge on their utility bill that can be paid back over time. Both homeowners and renters can participate in the program.

As a member of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR), we are excited to be a sponsor of this year's Legislative Breakfast being held this Friday, December 9, at the historic Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center in Burlington.

The Research and Communications Coordinator will collect data and conduct analysis of VHFA programs, general housing market, statewide housing needs, and community development research for use by VHFA staff, management, Board, and for external stakeholders.  This position will also ensure content is accessible through VHFA's core information platforms for internal and external use. This role includes developing and updating Agency-wide data, promoting the Agency’s programs and policies, creating informational tools for Vermont communities and policy makers, conducting research, writing reports, press releases, and social media posts as needed.

Equal access to residential housing (i.e. housing choice) is a fundamental right that is critical to personal, professional, and community development. If equal opportunity is to become a reality, fair housing is a goal that public officials and private citizens must embrace.

To that end, the State of Vermont is planning a comprehensive Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) to further the goal of fair housing and satisfy requirements of the Housing and Community Development Act.

A preliminary survey is underway to collect input of housing & nonprofit professionals across the state.