Fair housing

This commentary by VHFA Executive Director Maura Collins appeared recently in VTDigger

On July 16, the Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) joined the Racial Justice Alliance, the Mayor of Burlington, and over 30 corporations and organizations from the region in declaring racism as a public health emergency.

Research conducted by VHFA for the 2020-2025 Vermont Housing Needs Assessment reveals that Vermont’s non-White households fare worse than White households according to numerous economic and housing-related metrics. Much of the data from the report is available on VHFA’s regularly updated Vermont housing data site.

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.

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.

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 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.

Please join VHFA in celebrating Fair Housing Month this April. This year is special as we mark the 50^th anniversary of the passage of the federal Fair Housing Act.

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.

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.  

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.