Public information sessions by Zoom to answer questions and to gather feedback on the proposed uses of ARPA-SFR

July 12, 2021

State, Federal and American Rescue Plan Act Funding for Investments in Housing,
Conservation, Working Lands Businesses, and Rural Economic Development

VHCB will commit $154 million in supplemental funding from one-time legislative appropriations and from the federal American Rescue Plan Act State Fiscal Recovery Fund (ARPA-SFR). VHCB will also receive $9.8 million in ARPA funding from HUD through the federal HOME Program targeted to housing those experiencing homelessness during the pandemic. HUD guidance on the program and eligible uses of HOME-ARPA is expected later this year.

VHCB expects to award these funds over the next two fiscal years to accelerate the production and rehabilitation of housing by non-profit and private housing developers, to conserve farmland, natural areas, forestland, and recreational lands, for VHCB's Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program to assist working lands enterprises, and to assist communities with grant writing services through the Rural Economic Development Initiative.

HOUSING FUNDS

VHCB invites applications for the new housing funding according to the following schedule for upcoming information sessions, application deadlines and board meeting dates over the next several months.

Beginning in June 2021, VHCB will commit supplemental state funding as well as ARPA-SFR funds, primarily to assist Vermonters experiencing homelessness. These awards are the result of a call for applications issued earlier this spring in anticipation of state fast-track funding and the need for hundreds of new homes for these households.  

The first general application due date for supplemental VHCB state funds and ARPA-SFR funds is July 23, 2021 for consideration at a board meeting September 29, 2021. The applications will be reviewed consistent with VHCB funding policies and the Interim Final Rule and associated guidance for ARPA-SFR issued by the U.S. Treasury Department. 

  • Non-profit and Private Housing Developers, municipalities, and cooperative housing organizations are invited to apply for the federal ARPA-SFR funding as well as federal HOME Program and National Housing Trust funding administered by VHCB.
  • Non-profits, municipalities, and cooperative housing organizations are eligible to apply for state VHCB funding, both supplemental and base.

VHCB will hold two public information sessions by Zoom to answer questions and to gather feedback on the proposed uses of ARPA-SFR. More information is posted here. Written comments on proposed uses of the funds can be submitted until July 31st to housing-funds@vhcb.org. 

Monday, July 12 at 3:00 p.m.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89413638985  or to call in: 1-646-558-8656, meeting ID# 89413638985

Wednesday, July 14 at 5:30
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86774047869 or to call in: 1-301-715-8592, meeting ID# 86774047869

Frequently Asked Questions
Please read the Frequently Asked Questions and plan to attend one of the information sessions to learn more about the application process.

Application Due Dates:
July 23, 2021 for consideration at a board meeting September 29, 2021
November 29, 2021 for consideration at a board meeting on January 26, 2022 and
February 25, 2022 for consideration at a board meeting on May 13, 2022