Housing
Applications & Funding Programs
To access information about VHCB’s housing funding programs and applications, please visit our Housing Applications & Funding Programs page.
Advocacy
- Housing & Homelessness Alliance of Vermont
HHAV is a merger of the Vermont Affordable Housing Coalition & Vermont Coalition to End Homelessness. HHAV works toward a future in which all people living in Vermont have safe, stable, affordable homes and if homelessness occurs, it is brief, rare, and non-recurring.
Learn more
- More Than Four
More Than Four is an advocacy campaign to mobilize Vermonters across the state around the need for increased investment in affordable housing.
Learn more - Thriving Communities
The Thriving Communities campaign is a comprehensive and multi-organizational statewide effort to promote affordability and inclusiveness as a mainstay of flourishing communities across Vermont and beyond.
Learn more
ARPA-SFR Funding
Frequently Asked Questions
Please read the Frequently Asked Questions and the Guidelines and Procedures to learn about the application process. You can submit questions by emailing housing-funds@vhcb.org.
Eligible Applicants:
- 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.
Focused Areas for Investment with Supplemental Housing Funding
(State General Fund, Property Transfer Tax Revenue, and ARPA-SFR)
- Fast-track housing for those experiencing homelessness
- Advancing at more rapid speed the production of mixed-income, multi-family housing
- Mobile Home Park infrastructure upgrades, park purchases and replacement of abandoned homes in mobile home parks
- Recovery Residences to help Vermonters coping with addiction
- Helping renters move into homeownership, relieving pressure on the rental market
- Addressing a backlog of requests for accessibility improvements through the Vermont Center for Independent Living’s Home Access Program
- Developing incentives to promote the development of Accessory Dwelling Units across Vermont
- Farmworker housing repair and replacement program
More Information/To Apply for Housing Funds:
- VHCB ARPA-SFR Guidelines and Procedures (updated May 2023)- Effective July 1, 2022
- VHCB ARPA Frequently Asked Questions - Amended 6/19/2022
All applications will be reviewed consistent with VHCB funding policies and the Final Rule and associated guidance for ARPA-SFR issued by the U.S. Treasury Department.
VHCB AWARDS OF ARPA-SFR FUNDING TO DATE
Beginning in June 2021, VHCB committed supplemental state funding as well as ARPA-SFR funds, primarily to assist Vermonters experiencing homelessness. Those awards were the result of a call for applications issued in spring 2021 in anticipation of state fast-track funding and the need for hundreds of new homes for these households.
Since July 2021, VHCB has been awarding federal ARPA-SFR, federal HOME, HOME-ARP, and National Housing Trust Funds, and State funding to eligible applicants.
June and July 2021 awards of ARPA-SFR funding
September 2021 awards of ARPA-SFR funding
January 2022 awards of ARPA-SFR funding
May and June 2022 awards of ARPA-SFR funding
Farmworker Housing
Farmworker Housing Repair Loan Program & Farmworker Replacement Housing Loan Program
These two programs, funded by VHCB and administered by the Champlain Housing Trust, strive to preserve critical, affordable housing for farmworkers and to help improve the health and welfare of the farm workforce.
Learn more
Homebuyers
Are you interested in purchasing a home? Home-buyer education classes, down-payment assistance grants, and other services are available to support you on your journey to buying a home through the five NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Centers throughout the state.
Learn more
To apply to a homeownership program, contact your local affordable housing organization or Habitat for Humanity Chapter or Affiliate, and ask for details on their home ownership programs. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis as long as funds are available. Home buyers must have a household income below 120% of the applicable county median income, adjusted for household size for the community land trust programs or 80% of median income for Habitat for Humanity homes. Successful completion of a home purchase education program at one of five NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Centers is a requirement for each buyer receiving VHCB funds.
HOME-ARP Funding
- HOME-ARP Reference Guide
- HOME-ARP VHCB Maximum Subsidy Guidelines
- HOME-ARP Qualifying Populations
- Vermont HOME-ARP Allocation Plan – Approved by HUD 9/22/2022
- HUD Notice CPD-021-10 (Sept. 13, 2021)
- General information about applying for VHCB, ARPA-SFR, HOME, HOME-ARP, and National Housing Trust Funds, the housing application and required checklists
HOME Program
- VHCB administers the federal HOME Investment Partnership Program for the State of Vermont. Developments with HOME funds serve low- and very low-income Vermonters, increasing affordability in rental housing developments. VHCB has awarded more than $83 million in HOME funds since the program began in 1992.For detailed information on the HOME Program, see the HOME Program Handbook.
- General information about applying for VHCB, ARPA-SFR, HOME, HOME-ARPA, and National Housing Trust Funds, the housing application and required checklists.
Housing for All Revenue Bond
The Housing for All Revenue Bond is a source of funding for the development of affordable housing that was established in 2017. The Vermont Housing & Conservation Board is administering proceeds from the $37 million bond to fund rental housing and home ownership opportunities for 850 low- and moderate-income Vermont households. The bond funds are matched with state, federal, and private sources, leveraging more than $5 for every one dollar of bond funds, resulting in $198 million in additional resources for housing development.
Spending on affordable housing yields multiple benefits across the economy. The $37 million housing bond also acts as a stimulus package, generating millions of dollars of economic activity through the creation of jobs and the purchase of goods. The revenue bond was issued by the Vermont Housing Finance Agency. It will be paid by $2.5 million in annual revenue from the property transfer tax over 20 years, through 2039. The bold, new initiative represents the largest state investment in housing in more than a decade. It was first proposed by Governor Phil Scott in his January 2017 budget address, gained strong support in the legislature, and was signed into law in late June of that year.
At least 25% of the housing will be targeted to households with incomes at or below 50% of median income; another 25% will be targeted to moderate-income Vermonters earning 80-120% of median income. The balance of the funds will be awarded to projects based on community needs, applications received and the availability of resources for leverage. Applications may be submitted for new construction, rehabilitation of existing homes, multi-family apartments, single-family home ownership, and revitalization of blighted or historic properties in community centers, with an emphasis on creating new homes and bringing substandard properties back into use. Public-private development and ownership partnerships are encouraged.
Housing Revenue Bond Guidelines
Progress Report: the Housing Revenue Bond
Lead Paint
For Landlords
For Homeowners:
- IRC Training
- Lead Hazards & Lead Poisoning
- What is lead?
Lead is a toxic element found in the air, soil, water, and sometimes in our homes. Children under six are at the greatest risk because their developing bodies absorb lead more easily. In children, low-level lead poisoning can cause hyperactivity, impair growth, shorten attention spans, and affect cognition. Further, pregnant women are at increased risk because lead in the mother’s blood can affect the development of a fetus. - What is a healthy home?
Public health and housing professionals are recognizing the strong connection between housing conditions and resident health. Ongoing research demonstrates that unhealthy housing can cause or aggravate a variety of medical conditions and preventable injuries. The Program follows the national effort to take a more holistic and comprehensive approach to housing assistance to address a greater range of potential hazards. This concept has become known as ‘Healthy Homes’. A healthy home is commonly defined as dry, clean, well-ventilated, pest-free, safe, contaminant-free, and well maintained. - HUD Office of Lead Hazard Control
Comprehensive site with information about grant programs, lead-related research, lead-safe work practices, and much more. - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Important information on the effects of lead poisoning in children and adults; a guide to various regulations involving lead; and standards for the evaluation and control of lead hazards. - U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Guidance for parents and others about potential sources of lead contamination; the health effects of lead poisoning; and information about lead levels in society. - State of Vermont – Department of Health
The Vermont Department of Health is the lead agency designated by the State to address lead poisoning prevention. This site provides links to Vermont’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program and a host of information on lead paint safety and lead poisoning prevention. - U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration The main web page of the federal agency overseeing employee health & safety issues.
National Housing Trust Fund
The National Housing Trust Fund (HTF) is a federal affordable housing production program that complements existing Federal, State, and local efforts to increase and preserve the supply of decent, safe, and sanitary affordable housing for extremely low- and very low-income households, including homeless families and individuals.
VHCB administers National Housing Trust Funds for the State of Vermont. The HTF regulations are modeled on the HOME Program, but there are several key differences, including deeper income targeting, lower rent requirements, and a longer minimum affordability period.
See a presentation describing housing developments in Vermont with HTF. Prepared by Jen Hollar for a Congressional briefing in Washington DC. on October 29, 2018.
National Housing Trust Fund Handbook
General information about applying for VHCB, ARPA-SFR, HOME, HOME-ARPA, and National Housing Trust Funds, the housing application and required checklists
Publications
Fair Housing: Know your rights
Fair Housing is the right to equal opportunity in housing choice and the right to rent, buy, finance, and live in a home free from discrimination or harassment. Housing discrimination is illegal in Vermont. Learn about Vermont’s Fair Housing laws and what you can do if you have been treated unfairly based on any of the protected categories.
Learn more
Renters
If you are looking to rent an apartment or a mobile home lot, please visit one of our partner organizations to find out about vacancies and rent.
- Northwestern Vermont: Champlain Housing Trust
- Northeast Kingdom: RuralEdge
- Central Vermont: Downstreet Housing & Community Development
- Addison County: Addison Housing Works
- Randolph area: Randolph Area Community Development
- Upper Connecticut River Valley: Twin Pines Housing Trust
- Southeastern Vermont: Windham & Windsor Housing Trust
- Southwestern Vermont: Cornerstone Housing Partners
Resident Services
- Support & Services at Home (SASH)
SASH is a nationally recognized, team-based program of care coordination shown to improve population health, save Medicare dollars, and help people stay (or become) healthy so they can remain living at home.
Learn more
- VHCB Housing Programs (link to “Housing” page)
- VHCB Housing Program applications (link to “Funding Applications” anchor link on the Housing “Applications & Funding Programs” page)
- VHCB Housing Policies & Guidelines
Because of the permanent affordability restrictions, VHCB requires consideration of resale factors at the time of the original transaction. Sponsor staff must visit and approve homes that are proposed for purchase prior to applying.
- Buyer Cash Assets Guidelines
- Default & Foreclosure Guidelines
- Single Family Assistance Program
- Water & Waste Water Guidelines
- Vermont Housing Finance Agency
VHFA was established in 1974 to finance and promote affordable, safe and decent housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income Vermonters.
Learn more
VHCB Housing Policies
To see VHCB’s housing policies, please visit our Housing Policies page.
Conservation
Applications & Funding Programs
To learn more about VHCB’s conservation funding programs and applications, please visit our Conservation Applications & Funding Programs page.
Landowners
Eligible applicants for VHCB conservation funding programs are 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, Vermont municipalities, and certain state agencies. Individuals who wish to conserve their land should first contact a land trust to see if their project is a good fit.
Public Access to Land Conserved with VHCB Funds
To visit properties conserved with VHCB funding, you can find information including directions and trail maps on the websites of the non-profit conservation organizations and state agencies listed below. These organizations maintain trails and public access points and are best able to inform the public of any changes or updates due to weather or road work, etc.
Cross Vermont Trail Association
Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife
Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
Vermont Institute for Natural Science
VHCB Conservation Policies
To see VHCB’s conservation policies, please visit our Conservation Policies page.
Viability Program Guidelines and Resources
Annual Reports
Planning Guidelines For Viability Clients
Program Referral Guides
Viability Program Referral Guide: This Referral Guide provides details about the program and how to connect a farm, food, or forest entrepreneur with our services. It also includes links to resources for businesses who may not yet be a fit for the two-year program.
REDI Referral Guide – Working Lands Businesses: This Referral Guide provides details about the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) and how to connect a farm, food, or forest entrepreneur with our services. It also includes links to resources for businesses who may not be a fit for the program.
Financial Templates & Planning Spreadsheets
These financial templates and planning spreadsheets were developed by the Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program and are available to the public for download and use.
Financials Workbook — Vegetable and Diversified Farms
Financials Workbook — Dairy and Livestock Farms
Small Business Planning for Loggers, developed by UVM Extension with support from VT Working Lands Enterprise Board
Planning and Analysis in Timber Harvesting (PATH), a spreadsheet utility for logging businesses
Northeast Forests – Forest Business Resources and Applications
Business & Financial Assistance Resources
There are many other business assistance programs in Vermont beyond the intensive business planning services provided by the Viability Program. The list below will connect you with some of those resources. Our core service provider partners also offer services in addition to those they provide through the Viability Program. The “early stage business development” section includes resources targeted to new farmers.
Vermont Small Business Development Center
Vermont Regional Development Corporations
Business Assistance at the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
Water Quality Business Assistance from UVM Extension’s Farm Viability Program
Vermont Logger Education to Advance Professionalism
Vermont Maple Business Modules, developed by UVM Extension
Financial Resources
There are a number of financial resources available to working lands entrepreneurs in Vermont, ranging from loans to grants. The Capital Continuum graphic from the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF) illustrates the spectrum of financing available to Vermont businesses and the 2020 Vermont Farm and Food Business Financing Inventory produced by VSJF lists capital providers who help to finance farm and food businesses, including debt, equity, and royalty financing, as well as various grant programs. This inventory may also be relevant to forest and wood products businesses. The organizations listed below provide financing to a range of stages of business development.
Loans
USDA Farm Service Agency
Vermont Agricultural Credit Corporation, a program of the Vermont Economic Development Authority
Yankee Farm Credit
The Food, Farms, and Forests Fund at the Vermont Community Loan Fund
The Flexible Capital Fund at the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
Community Capital of Vermont
Milk Money VT
Vermont Farm Fund
State Grants
Vermont Working Lands Enterprise Board Grants
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets maintains a list of state grant programs
Agricultural Grant Writing Assistance Resources, an evolving list of grant writing consultants for hire compiled by the Viability Program.
Federal Grants
Early Stage Business Development
The following pages will connect new and beginning farmers to a variety of resources.
Vermont New Farmer Project
Women’s Agricultural Network at the University of Vermont (WAgN)
Resource Guide for Vermont’s New and Aspiring Farmers
Course Materials from the UVM Farmer Training Program
NOFA-VT Journey Farmer Program
The Carrot Project’s Financial Management Resources for New Farmers
Beginning Farmer Program at the Intervale Center
Land Access
The following resources can help farmers seeking farmland, or landowners seeking to lease their land to a farmer. These pages offer listings of farmland available for lease or purchase, as well as connections to individualized technical assistance from organizations like Land for Good.
Land for Good offers two hours of free consultation to assist with land access
Vermont Land Link
New England Farmland Finder
UVM Land Access and Tenure Toolshed
Vermont Land Trust’s Farmland Access Program
Build a Lease Tool from Land for Good
Farmland Tenure Online Resources Guide from Vermont Law School
Resources for Mature Businesses
The following resources may be useful to later stage businesses, especially those who are considering retirement and land transfer.
Vermont Family Farm Succession Resources from the University of Vermont
Transfer the Farm Videos and Case Studies from UVM Extension
Toolbox for Farm Transfer Planning from Land for Good
Farm and Food Legal Resources from Vermont Law School
VHCB Annual Reports
2024 VHCB Annual Report, January 2025
2023 VHCB Annual Report, January 2024
2022 VHCB Annual Report, January 2023
2021 VHCB Annual Report, January 2022
2020 VHCB Annual Report, January 2021
2019 VHCB Annual Report, January 2020
2018 VHCB Annual Report, January 2019
VHCB Branding Assets
