Last week, the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) hosted a meeting in Barre to engage with local residents and gather input on how to allocate approximately $15 million received from the federal government annually. As one of five meetings held across the state, the Barre gathering saw a significant turnout and lively discussions among the participants.
Local Voices Shape Housing Investment
At the heart of the meeting was the goal of shaping the department’s next consolidated plan, a crucial roadmap that outlines spending priorities and objectives for the organization. With around $11 million coming from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and $3 million from the National Housing Trust Fund each year, this plan guides funding decisions for a five-year period, undergoing annual updates to ensure responsiveness to community needs.
Previous iterations of the plan have directed funding to various local projects, such as Fox Run in Berlin and Granite City apartments in Barre, both providing much-needed affordable housing options. The Green Mountain Home Repair program has also benefited from this financial support, underscoring the diverse range of initiatives funded through these allocations.
Nathan Cleveland, a community development specialist at DHCD, credited the Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation (CVEDC) for the high attendance at the Barre meeting. The CVEDC, led by Executive Director Melissa Bounty, played a pivotal role in organizing the event and engaging a broad spectrum of community stakeholders, including professionals and interested citizens, to ensure a comprehensive dialogue on housing needs and priorities.
Shaping the Future of Housing in Vermont
With approximately 40 participants actively contributing to the conversation, the meeting delved into a wide array of topics, from the importance of paid staff to assist small municipalities with funding programs to the pressing need for community centers catering to youths. Discussions also highlighted the urgency of addressing housing needs across different demographics, including seniors, low-income families, and individuals seeking mixed-income housing options.
While many of the suggestions echoed familiar themes of prioritizing low-income housing and support services to combat homelessness, one standout idea centered on the establishment of local after-school programs for students. This proposal sparked significant interest and support among attendees, particularly parents concerned about the lack of structured activities for teenagers in central Vermont post-school hours.
Melissa Bounty emphasized the community’s desire for an organization akin to the YMCA, providing mentorship programs, recreational activities, and a safe space for teenagers to gather after school. The overwhelming support for this initiative has prompted Bounty to explore the feasibility of creating such a program, recognizing the clear demand for structured after-school options in the region.
Once the DHCD finalizes the consolidated plan, it will undergo a public review process and discussion at a future hearing, allowing community members to further engage with and provide feedback on the proposed priorities and strategies for housing investment in Vermont.
For those who missed the Barre meeting, there are still opportunities to contribute to the conversation. Residents are encouraged to participate in an online survey to share their input on housing priorities, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives shapes the department’s decision-making process. Additionally, individuals interested in ongoing discussions on housing programs can reach out to Melissa Bounty at info@centralvermont.org to stay informed and engaged in shaping the future of housing in Vermont.
By actively involving community members in the decision-making process, the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development aims to create a more inclusive and responsive approach to addressing housing needs and fostering thriving communities across the state.
