News

A Plan to Make Homelessness History

Posted December 20, 2010

Source: The New York Times Opinion Page, Dec. 20, by David Bornstein.

“This is a story about a plan to end chronic homelessness in the United States. It’s not an indeterminate “war on homelessness,” but a methodical approach to do away with a major social problem. Each day, roughly 700,000 people in the country are homeless. About 120,000 are chronically homeless. They often live on the streets for years and have mental disabilities, addiction problems and life-threatening diseases like heart disease, cancer and diabetes. They are also five times more likely than ordinary Americans to have suffered a traumatic brain injury, which may have precipitated their homelessness. Without direct assistance, many will remain homeless for the rest of their lives — at enormous cost to society and themselves. [More ...]

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Brattleboro Homeless Vigil is Tuesday, December 21

Posted December 18, 2010

Source: Brattleboro Reformer, December 18, by Chris Garofolo.

“BRATTLEBORO — Every December, on the longest night of the year, homelessness advocates gather at Pliny Park to bring attention to the growing issue in southern Vermont, particularly in Brattleboro.

Anticipating a chilly evening, organizers will again commemorate National Homeless Day by gathering at the park beginning at 4 p.m. on Dec. 21. The vigil includes a brief presentation, a candle lighting and songs from a chorus consisting of multiple churches and will close with a short march to the First Baptist Church’s winter overflow homeless shelter. [More ...]

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Census Bureau releases new estimates about Vermont communities, residents

Posted December 15, 2010

S0urce: VHFA.org | Housing Matters Blog, December 15, Leslie Black-Plumeau.

“The Census Bureau released new estimates yesterday that provide information about the characteristics of residents and homes in every Vermont community during 2005-2009.

These estimates are based on the annual American Community Survey (ACS), which asks a sample of Vermonters questions about their home and household members living there. [More ...]

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Governor-elect Shumlin Appoints Noelle Mackay to be Commissioner of Economic, Housing and Community Affairs; Jennifer Hollar to be Deputy Commissioner

Posted

Source: Press Release, December 15, Alexandra MacLean.

“Montpelier, Vt., – Governor-elect Shumlin announced today that Noelle Mackay will be Commissioner of the Department of Economic , Housing and Community Affairs and Jenn Hollar will be the Deputy  Commissioner. [More ...]

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Job Announcement: Intake/Client Services Specialist at VT State Housing Authority

Posted December 14, 2010

INTAKE/CLIENT SERVICES SPECIALIST

Vermont State Housing Authority, statewide affordable housing provider, is looking for a professional, organized, reliable individual to perform a variety of technical and administrative hands-on work related to subsidized housing programs.  Examples of work: eligibility processing, conducting routine certifications, data entry, verbal and written communication with applicants, tenants, landlords, and the general public.   A great attention to detail and confidentiality required with the ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment, independently or as part of a team.  Full time position includes telephone and public contact work and is based in Montpelier.

Visit our website at www.vsha.org.

Send cover letter and resume to:  HR, VSHA, 1Prospect St., Montpelier, VT  05602-3556.  VSHA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Position open until filled.

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Update: Fuel Assistance Funding in the News is Misleading

Posted

FYI: Yesterday we posted on an article written in the Burlington Free Press, “Vermont awarded $3.3 million more in heating aid.” We would like to note that the information in this news report as well as other press releases may be  misleading.

The reports suggest that Vermont received additional LIHEAP funding, we have not. Vermont received the $3.3 million balance of what Congress had already promised to send.  These are not additional funds and they will not trigger a bonus benefit.

Thank you and sorry for any confusion.

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State speeds up service to needy Vermonters

Posted December 13, 2010

Source: Burlington FreePress, December 13, by Nancy Remsen

“The Department for Children and Families has taken dramatic steps in recent weeks to reduce the backlog of pending applications for basic need benefits such as food assistance and re-establish trouble-shooting capabilities in the staff structure.

The actions have come as advocates for needy Vermonters began making public their criticisms about delays and errors which they said put some individuals and families into desperate situations.

“We should have spoken up sooner and more loudly,” Elizabeth Ready, executive director of the John Graham Shelter in Vergennes, said Friday. Still, as the remedies start to take hold, Ready said, “We have seen things improve.”

One of the biggest changes will be to add staff at the department even though the state faces face a projected $112 million budget shortfall…”

Full Story: State speeds up service to needy Vermonters.

PDF of Story: State speeds up service to needy Vermonters.

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New Resources at VAHC: Housing for New Americans

Posted

We have added a new resource section,  Housing for New Americans, to our website for housing professionals looking for more information on refugee resettlement, meeting the housing needs of New Americans, and working with Limited English proficient (LEP) populations and interpreters.

The new resources can be found in the Resources section of our website under Housing for New Americans.

Please take time to view the new resources, if you have any comments or suggestions for the current materials or for new materials please contact Marissa Fischer at marissa@vtaffordablehousing.org.

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Barre mayor grills homeless shelter executive

Posted

Source: Barre-Montpelier Times Argus, December 2, by David Delcore

“BARRE — With temperatures dropping, a local homeless shelter is on the hot-seat, and Mayor Thomas Lauzon isn’t apologizing for putting it there. [More ...]

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Vermont awarded $3.3 million more in heating aid

Posted December 11, 2010

Source: Burlington FreePress, December 11

“Vermont will receive $3.3 million more in home-heating assistance, part of a nationwide release of $2.68 billion by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. [More ...]

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