Burlington Wins National Award for Affordable Housing Program

PRESS RELEASE – May 24, 2011. Contacts: Brian Pine, Burlington’s Community & Economic Development Office, 802 865-7232; Chris Donnelly, Champlain Housing Trust 802 861-7305. Burlington Wins National Award for Affordable Housing Program Program has helped fund more than 1200 affordable homes since 1992 “Burlington, VT – The City of Burlington was recognized today at an announcement by Governor Peter Shumlin for winning a prestigious national affordable housing program award from the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD announced the Doorknocker Awards at the 20th anniversary of the HOME Program earlier this month. The HOME Program is a block grant to states and cities used to fund housing affordable to lower-income Americans. Burlington received one of only 14 awards presented nationally, and of those one of just four recognized in the category of permanently affordable housing, among the nearly 650 participating jurisdictions.  Overall Vermont received two of the 14 awards – the other going to the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, which was also recognized at today’s event. The City of Burlington’s Community & Economic Development Office (CEDO) partners with the Champlain Housing Trust (CHT) to deploy HOME funds in the development of housing, and used a new building on King Street in the City as an example of the effectiveness of the partnership. The Champlain Housing Trust and Housing Vermont completed the LEED-certified building at 88 King Street in January, 2009, to serve as CHT’s headquarters and to provide twenty new apartments in downtown Burlington. Overall, CEDO has committed HOME funds to more than 1,200 affordable homes in Burlington since 1992. “I’m pleased that the City of Burlington has been able to partner with the Champlain Housing Trust to create perpetually affordable housing through the use of HOME funds,” said Burlington Mayor Bob Kiss. “Working together, this investment has helped us build a more sustainable and equitable community. It’s a 20-year partnership that has clearly paid off.” Champlain Housing Trust President and CEO, Brenda Torpy said, “Overall, the City has been an invaluable partner with us with their ability to secure these funds and support the need for affordable homes in Burlington. The City has led the country with commitment to creating permanently affordable housing, and it is heartening to see this strategy embraced and recognized through the Doorknockers Award.” More information about Burlington’s award can be found at www.hometa.info/media/DKAwards/Door_Knocker_Burlington.pdf.  HUD’s announcement can be found here: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/press/press_releases_media_advisories/2011/HUDNo.11-074.”

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