The number of homeless families in the U.S. rose for the second year in a row, according to The 2009 Annual Assessment Report to Congress recently completed by HUD.

This rise shows the impact of the economic downturn “on the housing stability of low-income and vulnerable Americans,” the report explains.

Episodes of homelessness also appeared to increase in severity as families’ stays in shelters became longer, with the median number of nights rising from 30 in 2008 to 36 in 2009. Of all homeless people who stayed in shelters during the year, 35% were adults and children in families.

Union Square Apartments, an affordable housing development in Windsor formerly known as Armory Square, was the subject of a story in yesterday's Valley News.

Writer Bret Yager details some of the changes the property has undergone since it reopened under its new name eight months ago following rennovations.

VHFA provided financing and Tax Credits to Union Square.

Read the story online.

PrimeLending has become a Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) participating lender.

Participating lenders work with borrowers to answer questions about purchasing a home with a VHFA mortgage, determine borrowers’ eligibility, and process applications for low-interest rate VHFA home loans.

The Ad Council, in partnership with the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, has launched a national public service announcement (PSA) campaign to encourage homeowners struggling with their mortgage payments to learn about the Making Home Affordable Program.

The PSAs direct homeowners to visit MakingHomeAffordable.gov or call the Homeowner’s HOPE hotline (1-888-995-HOPE) to see if they might be eligible for assistance and to understand options they may have to avoid foreclosure.