By: VHFA

April 30, 2009

Members of the New England Resident Service Coordinators (NERSC) have gathered in Burlington for the organization's 11th annual conference.

Gov. Jim Douglas and VHFA Executive Director Sarah Carpenter (pictured) welcomed attendees to the three-day event being held at Burlington's Hilton Tuesday night.

"Given the economic challenges we're all facing, resident service coordination has never been more important to the health and well-being of our residents and affordable housing properties, and also to assure the efficient use of precious federal and state resources dedicated to support all housing programs," said Sarah.

Resident service coordinators assist tenants of affordable rental housing by linking them to  much-needed supportive services in their community. The role of supportive services in maintaining a tenant's independence and self-sufficiency is critical.

NERSC's annual conference is an opportunity for resident service coordinators and other property management professionals to come together, share ideas and experience, and stay in tune with trends in serving residents in affordable housing.

Three Vermont housing professionals serve on the NERSC Board of Directors, including VHFA Director of Multifamily Programs Sam Falzone, who also served on the '09 conference committee.