The Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) is heeding the call Governor Phil Scott made ealier this week “to reflect on what role each of us can play to end hate, racism and bigotry.” As our nation grapples with complex discussions around institutional racism, the housing industry must be a focal vehicle for both analysis of past racism and how we can work toward eradicating institutional racism in the future.
Fair housing
Housing recovery leaves black households behind
By: Mia Watson
The economic recovery is being felt among many households, with home equity wealth rising and more Millennials becoming homeowners. However, gains in homeownership have not been equally distributed among all Americans.
April is Fair Housing Month
By: Mia Watson
National Fair Housing Month is held every April to celebrate the anniversary of the passage of the 1968 Federal Fair Housing Act. At the same time, it is an opportunity to increase our efforts to end housing discrimination and raises awareness of housing rights.
Need an affordable apartment?
By: Will White
Need an affordable apartment or know someone who does? There are vacancies in 26 different apartment complexes across the state, according to the Vermont Directory of Affordable Rental Housing.
April is Fair Housing Month
By: Mia Watson
Please join VHFA in celebrating Fair Housing Month this April. This year is special as we mark the 50th anniversary of the passage of the federal Fair Housing Act.
National research shows widespread discrimination against minority mortgage applicants
By: Mia Watson
A new report from the Center for Investigative Reporting reveals that lenders across the United States are denying conventional mortgage loan applications for African American and Latino applicants at higher rates than comparable White applicants.
Legislature holds hearings on rental housing safety
By: Mia Watson
The Vermont House Committee on General, Housing and Military Affairs is holding hearings on rental housing health and safety issues. The Committee will hear from tenants, advocates, and health and housing experts on their concerns regarding unsafe rental conditions and gaps in health code enforcement.
CVOEO releases illustrated guide for Vermont renters
By: Mia Watson
The Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) has released a digital version of An Illustrated Guide to Vermont Renter’s Rights. The guide is narrated by visually striking cartoons that explain tenant rights and responsibilities throughout the rental process, and suggests resources for renters who need additional assistance. The guide is currently available in English, French, Arabic, and Nepali.
Progress update on first year of Building Homes Together campaign
By: Will White
Vermont Governor Phil Scott joined legislative and housing leaders in a press conference last week to update the public on the first year progress of the Building Homes Together campaign.
Goal
In an effort to increase the availability of affordable homes in Vermont, Champlain Housing Trust teamed up with Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission and Housing Vermont to set a goal of 3,500 new homes within 5 years, with 20% of them being permanently affordable.
Red Clover Commons ribbon cutting
By: Victoria Johnson
Executive Director Sarah Carpenter joined Brattleboro Housing Partnerships and other agencies in Brattleboro, on May 25, 2017 to celebrate the opening of Red Clover Commons, a newly constructed 55-unit building for seniors and people with disabilities. These homes are intended to replace units at Melrose Place which were severely damaged from Tropical Storm Irene in August 2011.