Blog

Here you'll find the latest information about what's happening at our member organizations, opportunities in the community, and the latest news from the Legislature. Also VAHC Staff share their thoughts about the housing crisis in Vermont.

David Martins

Jul 21, 2021
1 min

Vermont Housing Statistics Video

It’s not a secret—Vermont is experiencing a housing crisis. There’s so much going on (high rents, escalating home prices, motel vouchers, eviction moratoriums, mobile home park affordability, housing discrimination) it can be hard to know what’s happening and what we can do about it. Four housing advocates join VAHC in this video series to highlight some of issues Vermont residents face accessing safe, quality, accessible and affordable housing—and how we must keep these mult

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David Martins

Jul 13, 2021
2 min

How our 2021 Legislative Priorities Fared

The 2021 Legislative session in Vermont was a historic one for housing advocates across the board. While VAHC cheers the unprecedented levels of investment in affordable housing, this year was not without its bumps, challenges, and losses. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the session was conducted entirely remotely. A new biennium brought new leaders in both chambers (including House Speaker Jill Krowinski and Senate Pro Tem Becca Balint) and new members in key committees. Live-

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As the pandemic subsides, so do critical housing protections

David Martins

Jun 15, 2021
4 min

As the pandemic subsides, so do critical housing protections

As Vermont’s State of Emergency expires and the state reopens, evictions resume and the emergency housing program narrows eligibility. Vermont has hit a milestone in the fight against COVID-19, becoming the first state to vaccinate 80 percent of its eligible population. Governor Phil Scott will let the state of emergency Vermont has been under since March 13, 2020 expire later today, June 15, ending all state-mandated COVID-19 restrictions. While there is much to celebrate, t

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COVID-19 Housing & Homelessness Update 3/24/20

David Martins

Mar 24, 2020
7 min

COVID-19 Housing & Homelessness Update 3/24/20

As the global pandemic continues and the situation changes rapidly, the VAHC is following COVID-19 news with a special emphasis on housing, homelessness, and our low-income and vulnerable Vermonters. Please read the following news updates. BREAKING NEWS: Governor Phil Scott orders Vermonters to “Stay Home, Stay Safe” The statement from the governor’s office reads: “The Governor’s order directs Vermonters to stay at home, leaving only for essential reasons, critical to health

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COVID-19 Housing & Homelessness Update 3/20/20

David Martins

Mar 21, 2020
4 min

COVID-19 Housing & Homelessness Update 3/20/20

As the global pandemic continues and the situation changes rapidly, the VAHC is following COVID-19 news with a special emphasis on housing, homelessness, and our low-income and vulnerable Vermonters. Please read the following news updates. *For the most recent information about the pandemic in Vermont, visit the Department of Health webpage.* Here is the last daily update from the Department of Health. Written comments on the FY21 budget are due to the Senate Appropriations

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David Martins

Nov 6, 2018
4 min

Housing report and resource round-up

Last week was a busy one for the housing advocacy community, with lots of new reports, resources, and materials coming out that will better inform our work. Here’s a quick run-down of four reports that offer new data and insights into our issues. The first two come from the Vermont Office of Economic Opportunity: year-end reports on the Housing Opportunity Grant Program (HOP, formerly the Emergency Services Grant) Annual Report and the Family Supportive Housing (FSH) Annual R

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REGISTER NOW: New England Housing Network Federal Policy Forum – 12/16

David Martins

Nov 17, 2016
2 min

New England Housing Network Federal Forum Friday, December 16 9 AM – Noon Federal Reserve Bank of Boston 600 Atlantic Avenue We have been advised that space is limited and filling quickly for next month’s Federal Forum, sponsored by the New England Housing Network. Click below to register. Registration closes December 12 or when filled. Note pre-registration and photo ID at the door are required due to security measures at the Federal Reserve. Forum fee is $35. REGISTER HE

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David Martins

Nov 10, 2016
1 min

Rural Rental Preservation Data Dashboards Launched

USDA Rural Housing Service has unveiled a set of five dashboards designed to provide key data to help preserve the affordability of USDA’s Multi-Family Housing (MFH) properties. The publicly accessible, user-friendly set – currently available in beta – is designed to help policymakers and industry leaders collect, track and analyze the timeframe for when the USDA mortgages could be paid off exiting USDA’s MFH program. These dashboards and their information can facilitate pres

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David Martins

Nov 10, 2016
1 min

Voices for Vermont's Homeless Infants & Toddlers

Please join COTS for a presentation and panel discussion on a recent UVM study highlighting the realities of providing Early Intervention services for homeless children ages 0-3. The event will take place on November 17 from 4 to 5:30pm at the University of Vermont Davis Center in the Williams Family Room 403. To RSVP, please contact Tamira Martel at tamiram@cotsonline.org or (802) 864-7402 ext. 208. #Housing

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David Martins

Nov 10, 2016
1 min

Save the Date – NLIHC Forum to Address Affordable Housing Landscape Post-Election

NLIHC’s 2017 Housing Policy Forum in Washington, DC, April 2-4, 2017 will convene thought-leaders, policy experts, researchers, affordable housing practitioners, low income residents, and leaders from Capitol Hill and the new Administration to discuss the post-election landscape for affordable housing in America. The Forum will explore emerging challenges and opportunities given the leadership changes in Washington and the best strategies for achieving positive affordable hou

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David Martins

Nov 10, 2016
1 min

Save the Date – Better Buildings by Design 2017

Mark your calendar for Efficiency Vermont’s Better Buildings by Design 2017, the region’s premier design and construction conference, which features interactive learning about building durability, efficiency, and value for both residential and commercial projects. This year’s conference takes place Wednesday, Feb. 1, and Thursday, Feb. 2, at the Sheraton Burlington Hotel & Conference Center, South Burlington, Vermont. Click here for more information. #EfficiencyVermont #Affor

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David Martins

Nov 10, 2016
1 min

Rutland Houses Used for Drug Trafficking Will Become Affordable, Owner-Occupied Housing

NeighborWorks of Western Vermont has gained ownership of three buildings in Rutland that were previously used to traffic drugs. This has created an opportunity for the creation of three new affordable, owner-occupied homes in a neighborhood that has seen more and more of their housing stock being rented out. Federal law allows for the forfeiture of property used to facilitate or commit felony drug offenses. It’s rarely used, says Miller, but his office filed suit against the

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David Martins

Nov 7, 2016
1 min

Office Services Coordinator Position Available at VSHA

Vermont State Housing Authority, a statewide affordable housing provider/manager, needs a professional individual to assist Executive Management in the areas of administration, board support, human resources, & finance; with overall responsibility for office services & facility management. Individual will use a variety of computerized programs including word processing, spreadsheet, database, photo shop, MS publisher & other programs. Associates degree & 3 years progressivel

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David Martins

Nov 1, 2016
1 min

As Warming Shelters Across Vermont Prepare to Open, Homeless People in Chittenden County Gain a New

Over the past three years, the state of Vermont has increasingly invested greater resources in warming shelters. This has been part of an effort to move away from temporarily housing homeless people in motels during the winter months. It is also easier to match people with medical and mental health services at warming shelters as compared to a variety of isolated motels. “Not only is it a better service model than using a motel, but it’s much better for families with kids,”

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David Martins

Nov 1, 2016
1 min

Green Mountain Care Board Approval of All-Payer Model Supports Continuation of Successful SASH Progr

Support And Services at Home (SASH), a statewide, housing- based care management model which serves as an extension of the Blueprint for Health, is proud to announce its ongoing funding as a result of today’s decision by the Green Mountain Care Board to approve the All-Payer Model. As a Medicare demonstration, SASH® funding was due to expire at the end of 2016 along with the Blueprint for Health Medicare funding. State and local officials advocated strongly not to let this h

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David Martins

Nov 1, 2016
1 min

VAHC Membership Meeting Reminder

The next Vermont Affordable Housing Coalition meeting will be held: Wednesday, November 9, 2016 9:30 -11:30 AM Vermont Center for Independent Living 11 East State St., Montpelier, VT 9:00 AM – COME EARLY FOR COFFEE & NETWORKING We are requesting submissions for agenda items to be discussed at the meeting next week. Please submit all suggestions to Luke Dodge by Friday, November 4. Agenda will be distributed early next week. Hope to see you there! #Housing

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David Martins

Nov 1, 2016
1 min

Joint Committee on Tax Credits Public Hearing

The Joint Committee on Tax Credits will meet to discuss proposed changes to the 2017 and 2018 Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) at a public hearing on Monday, November 7, 2016. The meeting is scheduled at 9:00 A.M. at the Vermont Realtors Association, 148 State Street, Montpelier, VT. Here you can find the agenda and staff memo discussing comments received and recommendations under consideration for change. It is VHFA’s hope that you will review these materials and attend the

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David Martins

Nov 1, 2016
1 min

Voices of Home Preview – French Brandon – Decker Towers, Burlington

This is a clip from our interview with French Brandon, a resident of the Burlington Housing Authority’s Decker Towers in Burlington, VT. In this clip, French discusses the way that home shaped his early childhood, and uses vivid details to paint a brilliant picture of his life. When talking about home, French opines: Home has been a very peculiar notion for me all my life. It’s sort of like something I’ve always sought after but never quite gotten to, like an ever receding wi

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David Martins

Nov 1, 2016
1 min

Department of Corrections Requesting Proposals for Supportive Housing for Individuals Returning to t

The Vermont Department of Corrections has released a Request for Proposals for supportive housing for individuals returning to their communities from incarceration. The anticipated grant period will be July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2019, with the option to renew for an additional two-year period. The option to renew will be based upon performance of grantee and continued funding. Grantees must serve moderate to high risk offenders as determined by DOC risk assessment tools,

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David Martins

Oct 25, 2016
1 min

Artists and Activists Discuss Affordable Housing in Southern Vermont

Affordable housing is one of several social justice issues addressed next month at Voices of Community: Art, Food, Shelter, Justice, a gathering of artists and activists in southern Vermont. Washington D.C.-based artists Anu Yadav performs her one-woman show, ‘Capers (November 17-18, Next Stage Arts), which is based on the stories of of families at DC’s Arthur Capper/Carrollsburg public housing projects who protested the government-funded demolition of their neighborhood. Yad

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