Vermont State Housing Authority

The Northeast Kingdom, facing deep poverty and population decline due to its rural nature, was designated a Rural Economic Area Partnership zone by the federal government. The Northeast Kingdom Collaborative serves as the region's neutral convener, coordinating efforts among various stakeholders to align limited resources and foster revitalization through collaboration. Through activities like specialized sector convenings and conferences, the collaborative works to address critical regional barriers such as housing.

The Vermont State Housing Authority is seeking landowners in Hartford and surrounding areas to donate or sell land for building single-family homes through its Move-In Vermont program. The initiative aims to construct 1,000-1,500 square foot homes, prioritizing three-bedroom models, on lots with municipal water/sewer access, excluding flood zones. Land would be sold for $7,500 with VSHA covering subdivision costs and installing factory-built homes.

Vermont's low-income housing voucher programs are stabilizing after over a year of financial challenges caused by federal funding cuts. The Burlington Housing Authority has resumed issuing new vouchers, while other housing authorities have exited shortfall status, though budgets remain constrained.