This week Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) received national recognition for pioneering the use of state housing tax credits to provide down payment assistance to low- and moderate-income Vermonters. Since the Vermont Affordable Housing Tax Credit was originally created in 2000 to fund creating and preserving affordable apartments for low income renters, VHFA led the effort to expand it to help two more types of underserved Vermonters: first-time home buyers and buyers of energy-efficient manufactured homes.
Honors
Do you know a Housing Hero?
The Vermont Statewide Housing Conference Committee is seeking nominations for the Innovation and Impact Housing Hero Award. Since 2002, the Vermont Statewide Housing Conference has celebrated the achievements and service of individuals by recognizing them through Housing Hero Awards. Recipients will be announced during the conference on November 13-14.
Executive Director Sarah Carpenter announces retirement from VHFA
Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) announced today that later this year Sarah Carpenter, Executive Director, will be retiring, after twenty years at the agency’s helm. “As a result of Sarah’s vision and skill thousands of Vermonters have moved into decent, affordable homes since she arrived at VHFA in 1998,” said Randy Amis, chair of VHFA’s Board of Commissioners. “She has expertly led VHFA’s financial activities and programs, built strong partnerships and shared her deep expertise with state and federal policy makers. Vermont is a better place to live thanks to Sarah’s impact.”
VHFA’s Mia Watson wins Marshall E. Dimock Award
In recognition of her scholarly and professional achievements, VHFA’s Research and Communications Coordinator Mia Watson received the Marshall E. Dimock Award as a graduate of UVM’s Masters of Public Administration (MPA) program.
The award was presented by MPA program director Christopher Koliba during UVM’s graduation festivities in May 2018.
The criteria for the award are advancement of ethical principles within public administration, evidence of outstanding academic and scholarly activities, commitment to the advancement of the profession of public administration and vision for the field of public administration.
Just a year earlier, VHFA’s Deputy Director Maura Collins won the award for her work as an alumna of the UVM MPA program.
VHFA recognized at 2018 NERSC conference
VHFA has been recognized by the New England Resident Service Coordinators (NERSC) for its efforts to support excellence in training and education for Residence Service Coordinators. Resident Service Coordinators offer care and social services for the residents assisted housing, many of whom are elderly or disabled.
The honor was received during the NERSC 20 year anniversary conference and celebration in Newport, Rhode Island on May 2nd through 4th. Sam Falzone, VHFA’s recently retired Director of Multifamily Programs, accepted the plaque on behalf of VHFA in recognition of his many years of service to NERSC. The conference was also attended by VHFA Multifamily Management Officer Ann-Marie Plank, who serves on the NERSC Board of Directors.
VHFA recognized by United Way for fundraising efforts
VHFA has been chosen by United Way of Northwest Vermont to receive the Affinity Award, which is given to the organization whose campaign results stand out most among their industry sector. VHFA supports the work of United Way through frequent fundraising activities and by encouraging staff to volunteer in their communities.
The Affinity Award recognizes organizations with the highest percentage of participation in their industry sector. In 2017, VHFA achieved an 83.8% staff participation rate for its campaign activities and raised nearly $12,000. Proceeds from VHFA fundraising will go towards United Way’s many initiatives to support the communities of Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle counties.
VHFA again named one of the top 5 best small places to work in Vermont
For the third year in a row, VHFA was ranked in the top five Best Places to Work among small sized organizations across the state by Vermont Business Magazine. After receiving the honor of the number one spot in 2016, VHFA was ranked fourth for 2017, and has just been ranked second for 2018.
“This award reflects the excellence of our wonderful staff and their deep commitment to our mission of promoting affordable housing opportunities for Vermonters,” remarked Sarah Carpenter, VHFA Executive Director. “Their dedication and enthusiasm is what makes VHFA a great place to work.”
Beth Pearce wins lifetime achievement award
VHFA is delighted to congratulate Beth Pearce, who has been selected by Emerge Vermont to receive the 2018 Governor Madeleine Kunin Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition to serving as Vermont State Treasurer, Pearce also has a seat on the VHFA Board of Commissioners.
Elm Place wins national awards for energy efficiency
Elm Place, an apartment building in Milton that was developed with support from Vermont Housing Finance Agency, won three national awards for its use of energy efficient design. The project was developed and is managed by Cathedral Square. The building, which opened its doors last spring, offers 30 units of affordable rental housing for seniors. The project was supported in part by $6.3 million in federal housing tax credits allocated by VHFA.
Call for nominations for NERSC Excellence in Service Award
New England Resident Service Coordinators Inc. is calling for nominations for its annual Excellence in Service Award. The award recognizes outstanding performance among Resident Service Coordinators, housing management companies, and others working in the field of housing services in New England.
To nominate an individual or an organization that is making a difference for residents in housing communities or advancing the resident service profession as a whole, send a completed nomination form to Andrea Dobras.
Nominations must be received by March 15, 2018