VHFA Executive Director Maura Collins joined U.S. Representative Peter Welch and housing partners last week for a virtual ribbon-cutting for Woolson Block in Springfield. The historic revitalization project, developed by Evernorth and Springfield Housing Authority, offers 20 new apartments and commercial space. The project received the majority of its funding from federal tax credits awarded by VHFA.
Partner organizations
How communities can promote fair housing
Fair Housing Month is an opportunity to explore ways to promote housing opportunity throughout the year. Communities play important role to play in fair housing because many local practices or policies that seem outwardly reasonable can promote housing discrimination or segregation. The Vermont Housing Data website’s Housing-Ready Toolbox includes resources to help municipalities comply with fair housing laws and create more equitable, inclusive communities.
The moment is now to improve the health of housing
This press release from the Vermont Futures Project shares their new white paper on housing challenges and solutions in Vermont. VHFA assisted with research on the project.
In 2016, The Vermont Futures Project set a target for 5,000 new and retrofitted housing units per year to meet the critical need for homes across Vermont. This was a need five years ago, and as we strive to recover from the pandemic-caused economic downturn, the health of Vermont’s housing market is under more stress than ever.
Growing wealth gap hurts Vermont’s economy
This commentary appeared in several news outlets as part of the Vermont Proposition Initiative with the Vermont Council on Rural Development.
As a white kid from suburbia growing up in the ‘80s, I thought everyone was in the middle.
I assumed, probably rightfully, that my neighborhood, my church, my classmates, and my extended family all fell in the same middle place as my own family. As a child I knew I couldn’t get everything I wanted, but I didn’t worry that there wouldn’t be enough.
Mom clipped coupons, knit our winter wear, and we all worried each time dad’s company was bought out by another big firm.
Federal program would provide $8 million in annual tax credits to build and improve affordable owner homes in Vermont
The Biden administration’s American Jobs Plan includes a program that would bring $8 million in housing tax credits each year for affordable homeownership in Vermont. Unlike one-time stimulus programs also in the works, the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act (NHIA) would be an ongoing new federal tax credit generating new equity investment dollars for the development and renovation of starter homes in distressed and rural neighborhoods.
Kathleen R. Berk named as VSHA’s next Executive Director
The Board of the Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA) announced today the appointment of Kathleen R. Berk for the position of Executive Director. Berk will assume her new role on June 1st. Richard M.
VHFA Executive Director Maura Collins appointed to two new housing boards
Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) Executive Director Maura Collins was recently appointed to the National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) Board and Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (FHLB) Advisory Council. These two organizations play a key role in shaping housing finance policy in New England and beyond.
Energy and housing leaders applaud Governor Phil Scott’s investment in weatherization
Administration proposal lays groundwork to improve home affordability, lower energy costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions across Vermont
Energy and housing leaders applauded Governor Phil Scott’s announcement today in his budget address to invest $25 million in weatherization, which will be leveraged to generate $68 million for projects across the state. Especially for low- and moderate-income Vermonters, weatherization makes housing more affordable by improving the energy efficiency of a home or building. The result is improved health of residents, greater comfort from cold and heat, reduced energy costs, and lower carbon emissions.
Vermont Housing Finance Agency completes successful annual sale of state tax credits
Vermont Finance Agency (VHFA) has worked with local financial institutions to fund affordable homes that will be sold to low- and moderate-income Vermonters. Passumpsic Bank, Union Mutual Insurance, Community National Bank, National Life, Northfield Savings Bank, and Union Bank invested in Vermont Affordable Housing Tax Credits available through VHFA.
Vermont Department of Corrections issues RFP for transitional housing
The Community and Restorative Justice Unit of the Vermont Department of Corrections (DOC) is seeking proposals for programs that provide transitional housing for individuals reentering the community from incarceration.