The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently awarded the Fair Housing Project of the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) $125,000 to help further their aim to build more inclusive communities in Vermont. From the press release:
The FHP will begin work with partner organizations to conduct public discussions, and use multiple means to reach ordinary citizens as well as public policy makers with a hearts and minds campaign that emphasizes the positive advantages to communities of encouraging affordable mixed income housing in locations that are conducive to sound economic development. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the award of $125,000 to the Fair Housing Project (FHP) of CVOEO funding for a project to further fair housing by helping create more inclusive communities. Ted Wimpey, Director of the Fair Housing Project says that, “Local businesses need workers and customers, aging populations, people with disabilities, people on fixed incomes and all working people need more affordable homes located closer to work, medical facilities and other services and shopping where transportation will not cost an arm and a leg. It is a win-win proposition for all communities. We hope to be on the forefront of helping promote ways that communities can achieve this.” Wimpey says that he is pleased to have some important partners in the project. One partner in the project, Sarah Carpenter, Executive Director of Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA), expressed her enthusiasm for the project: “VHFA is very pleased that the Fair Housing Project’s Inclusive and Vibrant Communities Vermont project has been fully funded by HUD. VHFA offers financing and promotes affordable housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income Vermonters, and provides housing research and policy support. VHFA has had positive experience working with the Fair Housing Project and as a partner in this campaign we will be specifically assisting with the on-line component of the campaign. It is critical that both the general public and policy makers around the state learn more about the affordable housing needs in their communities.” The Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) is another partner organization which is eager to work with the FHP on this project. Gus Seelig, Executive Director, of VHCB says, “We are excited about this inclusive and vibrant communities project and we are looking forward to working with CVOEO Fair Housing Project. As an independent agency with the dual goals of creating affordable housing for Vermonters and conserving and protecting Vermont’s country side we consider fair and affordable housing and inclusive, economically healthy communities vital to our organizational mission and to the interests of all people living in Vermont.” Wimpey says that the project will start up as soon as a contract is signed with HUD, “This will be a wonderful positive way to win hearts and minds for fair housing and affordable and inclusive communities that are also economically vibrant. We are thrilled.”
For more information contact Ted Wimpey by email at twimpey@cvoeo.org or phone at 802-660-3456 ext. 106.