At its January 29, 2026 meeting, the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) committed funding to strengthen Vermont’s communities through affordable housing, conservation of working lands and natural areas, and historic preservation. The Board approved funding to support over 130 affordable homes and conserve more than 1,400 acres across Vermont.

These investments address Vermont’s most urgent needs: creating innovative housing solutions including shared housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, protecting one of Lake Bomoseen’s last undeveloped shorelines, and preserving nationally significant cultural resources. The Board voted to recapitalize its Land Bank Loan fund to ensure financial resources are available to communities seeking advance high impact community development projects. Projects span from Newport’s transformation of historic school buildings to the conservation of large forest blocks connecting major state lands in Rutland County.

“These projects demonstrate VHCB’s commitment to meeting Vermont’s diverse housing and conservation needs through creative partnerships,” said Gus Seelig, VHCB Executive Director. “From inclusive housing that serves our most vulnerable residents to protecting irreplaceable natural and cultural resources, these investments will strengthen Vermont communities for generations to come.”

 

Summary of Awards

Addison County

Middlebury – Weybridge (Evernorth)

$1,051,338 in VHCB funds were awarded for the refinance of Weybridge, a 36-unit rental property comprised of four townhome buildings located within walking distance of downtown Middlebury and Middlebury College campus. The project with ensure the affordability and continued quality of homes in Middlebury Four units are designated for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Essex County

Essex County – Farmland Conservation (Vermont Land Trust)

$110,405 in VHCB funds were awarded to conserve 21 acres of forestland that contain part of the Brosseau Mountain trail which will ensure continued public access for recreation.

Franklin County

Franklin County – Farmland Conservation (Vermont Land Trust)

$755,000 in VHCB funds were awarded to conserve 307 acres of a former dairy operation that now thrives as certified organic sugarbush and heifer boarding operation. The property includes 18 acres of hayland, 39 acres in pasture, and 87 acres of managed sugarbush within 247 acres of woodland. The project supports the next generation of farmers committed to diversified agriculture and community engagement on working lands.

Orleans County

Newport – Lofts (Rural Edge)

$5,901,523.11in VHCB and Leahy funds were awarded for the transformation of former school buildings into rental housing as part of a master-planned neighborhood development with capacity for 183 units. The project creates housing within walking distance of downtown Newport with views of Lake Memphremagog.

Rutland County

Brandon – Three 33 Jones Drive (Cornerstone)

$1,511,909 in supplemental funding of a rental project.

Rutland – Organizational Grant – FY26 Habitat (Habitat for Humanity Rutland County)

$58,500 in VHCB funds were awarded to support staffing associated with the start up of a new offsite manufacturing facility, which will increase construction of single family homes for Habitat chapters, initially in Rutland and subsequently around the state.

Rutland – East Creek Commons (Cornerstone Housing Partners)

$1,769,239 in VHCB funds were awarded as supplemental funding for this scattered-site redevelopment project that preserves existing VHCB-invested units while creating 14 new units at fire-damaged and blighted sites. The project addresses dual goals of preserving previously invested affordable housing and completing a complex brownfield remediation project.

Castleton – Bomoseen West (Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife)

$271,000 in VHCB funds were awarded to conserve approximately 187 acres protecting one of the last large, intact stretches of undeveloped shoreline on Lake Bomoseen. The property includes approximately 1,750 feet of lake frontage and will permanently conserve high-value habitat situated between Love’s Marsh Wildlife Management Area and Bomoseen State Park, strengthening landscape-scale connectivity. The property will be open for public recreational access including hunting, fishing, and hiking.

Clarendon, Tinmouth, and Wallingford – Farmland (Vermont Land Trust)

$138,018 in VHCB funds were awarded to permanently conserve approximately 943 acres of privately owned forestland and farmland. The property represents a large, intact working forest with significant agricultural soils, surface water resources, and wildlife habitat values.

Washington County

Plainfield – School Street Apartments Rehab (Housing Foundation, Inc.)

$892,935 in VHCB funds were awarded for rehabilitation of this affordable housing property.

Warren – Roxbury Ridgeline Phase I (Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation)

$131,000 in VHCB funds were awarded to conserve this 75-acre forestland property that will expand Roxbury State Forest. This acquisition will protect forested headwater streams, a vernal pool, and a range of forest communities while also contributing to wildlife connectivity between the Northfield Range and the Green Mountain National Forest.

Montpelier – Recapitalization of Land Bank Fund

$300,000 in VHCB funds were approved for recapitalization of VHCB’s Land Bank Fund to position the organization to support opportunities such as the potential acquisition and redevelopment of Montpelier’s vacant Federal Building and associated parking area. The site represents a transformative opportunity for downtown Montpelier with potential for approximately 90 units of housing on land behind the existing building.

Windham County

Athens – Ledge Road Brook Headwaters (Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association)

$187,500 in VHCB funds were awarded to conserve this 130-acre natural area that is adjacent to over 3,000 acres of conserved land. It features important water resources including 20 acres of wetlands and 1,600 feet of tributaries that feed into the Saxtons River.  Public access for recreation will be allowed.

Dummerston – Naulakha Roof Restoration & Trail (The Landmark Trust USA)

$150,000 in VHCB funds were awarded for the historic restoration of Naulakha, the National Historic Landmark and former home of Nobel Laureate Rudyard Kipling where he wrote The Jungle Book, Captains Courageous, and other works. The project involves in-kind restoration of cedar shingle roofs on four primary structures (Main House, Ice House, Pergola, and Gazebo), replacing 1993 roofs that have exceeded their 30-year lifespan. The project also includes creation of a public trail on the adjoining 21.7-acre woodland parcel in Brattleboro.

Windsor County

Hartford – Railroad Row Group Home (Lincoln Street, Inc. and Twin Pines Housing Trust)

$1,100,000 in VHCB funds were awarded for a co-housing project specifically designed for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). The project involves the purchase and renovation of a six-bedroom condominium unit to create a seven-bedroom shared living dwelling. Lincoln Street, Inc., Southern Vermont’s primary IDD service provider, will own, manage, and provide services to residents.