Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 01:26PM With three homeless people dying in Vermont in recent months, including one in Rutland last week, Gov. Peter Shumlin on Wednesday announced an increased, multi-pronged effort to combat the issue.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 03:26PM As part of its Capital Fund Program, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded more than $2.2 million to public housing authorities in Vermont. The funds will allow these agencies to make major, large-scale improvements to their public housing units. Vermonters wonder- given current public housing realities, is $2.2 million enough?
Thursday, February 17, 2011 at 04:31PM This afternoon, Barre City Mayor Thom Lauzon told Seven Days that on Tuesday night he intends to present the Barre City Council with new occupancy standards for all rental units in the city, and credits Seven Days for bringing the matter to his attention.
Link to full articleMonday, January 31, 2011 at 12:45PM On the day they were supposed to receive eviction notices, the 44 residents of Wharf Lane were handed much better news: A deal has been struck between two nonprofit housing groups and the building's owner that will keep their apartments as subsidized, affordable housing.
Link to full articleFriday, January 21, 2011 at 03:33PM US Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan today awarded more than $3.6 million in funding to keep 24 of local homeless assistance programs in Vermont operating in the coming year. The grants announced today form a critical foundation for the Obama Administration’s Opening Doors strategy, the nation’s first comprehensive plan to prevent and end homelessness. For a summary of the Vermont grants announced today, visit HUD’s website.
Link to full articleWednesday, December 29, 2010 at 09:37AM Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity has won a national award for its first home under construction in Charlotte, honoring the home's innovative character, creativity of design and affordability. Habitat for Humanity International gives the Clarence Jordan award annually to just two Habitat affiliates -- offices serving a specific area --out of about 1,500 in the United States.
Link to full articleMonday, December 27, 2010 at 10:34AM Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at 09:25AM Governor Jim Douglas today announced that $857,000 in Vermont Community Development Program grants are being awarded to four communities – Bethel , Randolph, Vergennes and Rochester. He made the announcement at a ceremony at the Bethel Town Hall, highlighting an affordable housing project in specially targeted for seniors and the disabled.
Link to full articleFriday, November 19, 2010 at 02:37PM Jennifer O’Neil, 62, is not an economist, nor is she an expert in urban housing trends. But the Burlington resident has first-hand experience that might give economists pause: She’s lived for years below the poverty line, has had troubles with landlords suspicious of her economic status — and has been sought out by landlords who appreciated her prompt rent checks.
Link to full articleWednesday, November 10, 2010 at 11:08AM Super energy efficient homes are not only for the super rich. The Central Vermont Land Trust is helping to put a low-income family into a new state-of-the-art home in Barre town. What started as a foreclosed wreck last year was torn down and turned into a five-plus Energy Star home. It features radiant floors, on demand hot water and R-60 insulated walls. The income eligible buyer will end up paying about $140,000 after a federally funded subsidy.
Link to full articleFriday, October 8, 2010 at 02:31PM For the first time ever, the Good Samaritan Haven grapples with the tough decision of turning away those in need. The shelter is the home for dozens of adults, many who were hit hard by the down economy.
Link to full articleThursday, September 30, 2010 at 03:21PM The Vermont Coalition of Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs will receive a $200,000 federal grant to help its 12 member programs across the state in their work protecting and supporting homeless teens. The coalition's members assist more than 1,000 youths a year.
Link to full articleTuesday, August 31, 2010 at 11:08AM Local housing authorities around the state have capped requests for Section 8 housing vouchers by closing waiting lists to deal with a surge in applications. Now the state is following suit. The Vermont State Housing Authority will close its waiting list for Section 8 vouchers by the end of September due to a burgeoning waiting list that exceeds 3,000 people.
Link to full articleFriday, August 13, 2010 at 11:21AM Vermont is in line to receive $12.2 million for community development and affordable housing projects, U.S. Housing and Urban Development staff announced Thursday. The state will receive three grants: an $8,049,765 Community Development Block Grant, $3,824,610 in HOME Investment Partnerships funding, and a $364,390 emergency shelter grant.
Link to full articleMonday, July 26, 2010 at 10:14AM New legislation introduced in the U.S. House aims to help small states like Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine deal with homelessness. Congressman Peter Welch is pushing to increase the amount of money small states get under a program to address homelessness. A program created in 1990 funds states' efforts to help those suffering from mental illness or substance abuse and who are at risk of becoming homeless.
Link to full article