New England Federal Credit Union (NEFCU) President/CEO John J. Dwyer, Jr. announced today a $1 million grant from NEFCU to Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) to address the critical need for affordable housing. The money will be awarded by VHFA over the coming year to several housing developments that have funding shortfalls.
Development
Bradley House renovations celebrated in Brattleboro
VHFA supported the renovation and expansion of Bradley House in Brattleboro with the commitment of a $3.1 million construction loan and its staff was gratified to attended the project's ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday.
The development is a Level III Residential Care facility that serves seniors in need of a variety of services, and the expansion will increase the number of residents served from 28 to 35. The wonderfully elaborate building that will be renovated was built in the 1860s and an attached new wing will be added to allow this expansion. The facility is owned and run by Holton Home Inc. and is their second such property in Brattleboro.
VHFA awards millions in affordable housing tax credits for upcoming construction but rental housing proposals outweigh available credits 2 to 1
On Monday, April 17, the Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) Board of Commissioners committed federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and Vermont Affordable Housing Credits that will provide almost $37 million in upfront equity to construct and renovate housing for low-income Vermonters over the next several years. The $2.5 million in ten-year federal capped credits, $610,000 in ten-year federal uncapped “bond” credits and $485,000 in five-year state credits will support the development of 272 affordable apartments in 11 communities across the state.
$35 million bond would have long-lasting benefits
Housing developers, business leaders, smart growth policy experts and poverty advocates joined together to support the passage of a $35 million housing bond this afternoon at a press conference at Vermont’s State House in Montpelier.
Recommended in Governor Scott's budget proposal, the housing bond would address a significant need for affordable housing in Vermont, help to alleviate homelessness, house the workforce, and provide expanded homeownership opportunities for Vermonters.
Burlington celebrates opening of apartments and Daystation for Vermonters facing homelessness
Governor Phil Scott joined Congressman Peter Welch, Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger and many other supporters to celebrate the opening of 14 new apartments for people facing homelessness and a newly rebuilt Daystation and Housing Resource Center. The Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS) will oversee the apartments and operate the Daystation and Housing Resource Center, all of which are located at 95 North Avenue in Burlington’s Old North End neighborhood.
Business community input on permitting and regulation in Vermont needed
The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources is seeking input from the business community about their experiences with permitting and environmental regulation in Vermont. Please share your insights at one of the "listening tour" meetings the Agency is holding over the next two weeks at locations around the state.
Applications for federal and state housing credits due February 10
Applications for the 2017 round of federal capped (9%) Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and Vermont State Housing Credits are due to VHFA by Friday, February 10, 2017. Housing credits are the largest source of funding in Vermont for building and renovating affordable rental housing.
Get more information on our website or check out our recent annual report to learn about projects in 2016 funded with housing credits.
Bennington celebrates rehabilitation of historic buildings through affordable housing
Community leaders and housing partners came together last week to celebrate the completion of renovations to historic buildings in downtown Bennington. Developed and managed by Shires Housing, the buildings include 26 affordable apartments for low-income residents of all ages.
Federal and state housing credits provided by VHFA covered forty percent of the costs of rehabbing the buildings. Other sources of funding include the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, the HOME program, the Federal Home Loan Bank’s Affordable Housing Program, the federal historic tax credit and the Vermont Community Development Program.
Burlington Town Center expected to create much-needed affordable housing and jobs
In addition to construction jobs, the proposed Burlington Town Center plans include creation of 55 new units of affordable housing and 219 market rate homes. Housing advocates and community leaders joined Burlington Mayor Weinberger today in City Hall Park to discuss ways in which the proposed Town Center would help address the needs of the region’s residents for more affordable homes located near jobs and services.
Among every 3 Chittenden County renter households, 1 spends more than half of their income for housing. This creates unsustainable financial pressure and housing instability for struggling, mostly low-income Vermonters.