NeighborWorks America Makes $200,000 Grant in Support of Irene Recovery Efforts Burlington, VT – NeighborWorks America has made a $200,000 grant to five regional housing organizations to support their Tropical Storm Irene recovery efforts. This grant is in addition to $100,000 made available immediately following the storm. The funding is going to chartered members of NeighborWorks working together as the NeighborWorks Alliance of Vermont:
Central Vermont Community Land Trust
Champlain Housing Trust
Gilman Housing Trust
NeighborWorks of Western Vermont
Windham & Windsor Housing Trust
The organizations, through their HomeOwnership Centers, have been offering housing-related counseling and affordable loans to those in need in the immediate aftermath of the storm, and the organizations have also received waivers to make their rental housing available regardless of income to those who were in need of a place to live due to displacement from Irene. Now these five organizations are engaged in the community development and housing needs of communities devastated by the storm. “We are so thankful for this support as we continue to collaborate with our peers across the State to respond to challenges we’re facing after Irene,” said Brenda Torpy, the Housing Trust’s CEO. “We look forward to doing all we can to support the recovery efforts underway, as well as ones to come.” “NeighborWorks America understands that the recovery from Tropical Storm Irene will take a concerted, long-term effort by organizations like these working on the ground in communities across the state,” explained Robert Burns, Field Operations Director for NeighborWorks. “This grant provides immediate funding to assist these five organizations serve the people and communities affected by the storm and insures that each of these outstanding NeighborWorks organizations can broaden the ability to serve during this time of great need.” About NeighborWorks America NeighborWorks America creates opportunities for people to improve their lives and strengthen their communities by providing access to homeownership and to safe and affordable rental housing. In the last five years, NeighborWorks organizations have generated $20 billion in reinvestment in these communities. NeighborWorks America is the nation’s leading trainer of community development and affordable housing professionals. Chris Donnelly Director of Community Relations Champlain Housing Trust