Last week, VHFA joined Governor Scott and housing partners in Colchester for a groundbreaking ceremony at Stuart Avenue Apartments. The project, developed by Champlain Housing Trust (CHT) and Evernorth, will create 36 new apartments as part of the Sunderland Farms master development at Severance Corners. The project will receive the majority of its funding from federal credits awarded by VHFA.
Partner organizations
AHP funding application opens June 6
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (FHLBB)'s Affordable Housing Program (AHP) will begin to accept applications on June 6, 2022. The program will award a minimum of $10.6 million in subsidy funding through member institutions to organizations promoting homeownership and rental housing opportunities for low income households. This funding will support critical housing resources during a time of extreme housing shortage, affordability crisis and rising development costs.
April is Fair Housing Month
April is Fair Housing Month, an opportunity to celebrate the anniversary of the passage of the 1968 Federal Fair Housing Act, while also increasing our efforts to end housing discrimination, expand housing opportunity and raise awareness of housing rights.
The Fair Housing Project of the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) and statewide partners are hosting a number of events throughout the month. These include:
Funding available for farmworker housing repair
Champlain Housing Trust (CHT) is now accepting applications for the Vermont Farmworker Housing Repair Loan Program. The program allows farm owners to make repairs and improvements to their farmworker housing to help improve the health and welfare of the farm workforce. The application deadline is April 29.
A 2021 report commissioned by the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB) estimates that there are around 600 dwellings housing about 2,000 hired farmworkers in Vermont, with the majority based in Addison, Franklin and Orleans Counties.
Grants available for community place-making
The State of Vermont has announced the launch of of Better Places, a statewide community grant program that empowers Vermonters to create vibrant and inclusive public places in the hearts of Vermont communities.
The program is a joint effort between the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development, the Vermont Department of Health, the Vermont Community Foundation and Patronicity.
Report makes recommendations for supportive services coordination
A new report by the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) calls for better alignment between housing and supportive services in Vermont. The report was commissioned by the Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) and the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB). CSH convened a steering committee of leaders across the state and held a series of focus groups among providers and clients to develop solutions.
Homelessness Awareness Day is January 20th
Vermont's annual Homelessness Awareness Day will take place virtually this year from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Thursday, January 20th. Our partners at the Vermont Coalition to End Homelessness, Vermont Affordable Housing Coalition, Vermont Interfaith Action, and Chittenden County Homeless Alliance are sponsoring a series of activities for the event, including legislative testimony and a Memorial Vigil to remember Vermonters who have died without homes.
Vermont Bond Bank announces Capital Plan Contest and Forum
Vermont Bond Bank has announced its first annual Capital Plan Contest as well as the Vermont Capital Planning Forum. In sponsoring the contest, the Bond Bank seeks to recognize best practices in communities of all sizes while allowing all Vermonters to benefit from exemplary models of capital planning throughout the state.
AIA to offer free design services for affordable housing
The Vermont chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), will host a design charrette session with pro-bono services for affordable housing projects.
AIA-VT invites Vermont nonprofits, municipalities, and community-based groups to submit specific affordable housing projects in the early or conceptual stages for review.
Ribbon-cutting celebrated at New Avenue in St. Johnsbury
Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) Executive Director Maura Collins joined housing partners on Wednesday for a virtual ribbon-cutting ceremony for New Avenue Apartments in downtown St. Johnsbury. The historic building, redeveloped by RuralEdge and Evernorth, offers 40 apartments and ground-floor commercial space. The project received the majority of its funding from federal tax credits and a long-term loan awarded by VHFA.