VHFA has three immediate job openings: Development Underwriter, Business Development Coordinator and Research and Communications Coordinator.
Development
Progress update on first year of Building Homes Together campaign
Vermont Governor Phil Scott joined legislative and housing leaders in a press conference last week to update the public on the first year progress of the Building Homes Together campaign.
Goal
In an effort to increase the availability of affordable homes in Vermont, Champlain Housing Trust teamed up with Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission and Housing Vermont to set a goal of 3,500 new homes within 5 years, with 20% of them being permanently affordable.
VHFA seeks "Housing for All" investors: Historic initiative expected to create or rehabilitate 650 homes statewide
VHFA invited bids from investors Friday for the "Housing for All" initiative passed by Vermont lawmakers earlier this year. The proceeds from this financing will be used to create and rehabilitate an estimated 650 rental and owned homes across the state.
"We consistently hear about how widespread the lack of affordable, decent housing is in many parts of Vermont," said Governor Phil Scott. "By leveraging other funds, this investment will help create much-needed homes that are affordable for working Vermonters at the middle and lower end of the wage scale."
McKnight Lane exemplifies Vermont's bold steps toward energy independence
The 14-unit McKnight Lane rental housing neighborhood in Addison County captured national attention this week as the New York Times spotlighted the bold initiatives of Green Mountain Power to reduce its customers' dependence on the electrical grid.
Public meetings July 27 and July 31 will share information about state's new affordable housing bond program
Staff from the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board will outline specifics of the Housing for All initiative, the program funded with the state's recently-enacted bond for housing development. VHFA will issue the revenue bond and the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board will administer the funds statewide to expand Vermont’s stock of permanently affordable housing.
Staff from regional planning commissions, economic development corporations and affordable housing development organizations are encouraged to attend either of these two public meetings:
New improved Vermont Directory of Affordable Rental Housing goes live
Based on feedback from property managers and apartment seekers, VHFA launched this week a redesigned, user-friendly Vermont Directory of Affordable Rental Housing at www.housingdata.org. We improved search tools and expanded the site to include more information people looking for an apartment need, such as rent and income limits, property photos, proximity to public transportation, accessibility features and pet policies.
Development of the new website was supported in part by TD Charitable Foundation, AARP Vermont and the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity’s HUD Inclusive and Vibrant Communities Vermont Grant.
Elm Place ribbon cutting
Governor Phil Scott joined by Executive Director Sarah Carpenter and others on June 5, cut the ribbon on the newly-constructed, 28,000 square foot Elm Place, an affordable residence for seniors, located in Milton.
Elm Place is considered a “passive house” due to its impressive energy savings. Some of these savings come from its cold climate air source heat pumps, a rooftop solar array and LED lighting. A few of Elm Place amenities include an elevator, exercise room, on-site storage, kitchen, lounge, laundry facilities, covered parking and an outdoor courtyard, including garden beds for resident use.
Red Clover Commons ribbon cutting
Executive Director Sarah Carpenter joined Brattleboro Housing Partnerships and other agencies in Brattleboro, on May 25, 2017 to celebrate the opening of Red Clover Commons, a newly constructed 55-unit building for seniors and people with disabilities. These homes are intended to replace units at Melrose Place which were severely damaged from Tropical Storm Irene in August 2011.
The project will offer support for residents through the Support and Services at Home program (SASH). The project incorporated numerous energy efficient features including a new geothermal heating and cooling system. The building is centrally located near various public services such as public transportation, shopping and the hospital.
Affordable Housing Program application training
Registration is open for AHP Application Training in Rutland, VT on June 21, 2017 or Bretton Woods, NH on June 29, 2017.
New England Federal Credit Union gives $1 million for affordable housing
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.