Category Archives: Uncategorized

Expansion in Vermont Fair Housing Law Protections

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By Kahlia Livingston, Fair Housing Project Education & Outreach Coordinator

After years of advocacy and organizing, Migrant Justice and affiliate organizations worked alongside legislators to pass the “Housing Access for Immigrant Families” bill during the 2025 session. The act expands Fair Housing and Public Accommodation laws to include Citizenship & Immigration Status as a protected class, which makes it illegal to discriminate against someone because of their citizenship or immigration status in housing and in public spaces. Many community members and organizations around the state came together to advocate for this bill and were dedicated to seeing these protections come into fruition. The bill started in the “House Committee on General and Housing” with sponsorship from key legislators Rep. Leonora Dodge, Rep. Kevin Christie, and Rep. Esme Cole who introduced the bill, and gathered additional sponsorship from 40 legislators. This legislation is crucial for protecting people with varying immigration statuses as many exemplified their vulnerability to housing discrimination.

Throughout testimony, we heard from immigrants who described how in their search for stable and permanent housing they were met with discrimination and roadblocks when they could not provide a social security number on rental housing applications. This would lead to denial for housing and leave immigrant families with limited and often unhabitable living arrangements as their only options. Some of the conditions of the housing available to people without social security numbers were inhumane, over-capacity, and lacked privacy and dignity. Immigrants who were employed with steady income were still denied access to housing opportunities because they did not have social security numbers. Many Vermonters were understandably appalled after hearing these experiences and others were concerned about the burden these new protections would place on landlords. Immigrant family members who worked in the carpentry and construction fields argued that Vermont would not be able to increase housing development if the people building homes did not have a place to live themselves. This argument echoed throughout the legislature and was heard clearly.

Protections under Act 69:

  • landlords must accept different forms of identification to conduct criminal or background checks
  • prohibits landlords from requiring a Social Security Number on residential rental applications
  • forbids differential treatment on the basis of citizenship or immigration status
  • applicants cannot be denied for rental housing for not providing social security number

The law has important components to affirm that Citizenship or Immigration status is not a barrier to having equal opportunity in housing choice free from discrimination as fair housing is legally described. This bill was a major victory to be passed, and the act was enforceable as of July 1, 2025.

If you have experienced discrimination, please feel free to connect to the resources below.

  • CVOEO’s Fair Housing Project:

Schedule a FREE Fair Housing Consultation

fhp@cvoeo.org

802-660-3456 ext 110

 

  • Vermont Legal Aid:

Report Illegal Housing Discrimination

Fill out Legal Request Form

            OR

Call 1-800-889-2047 during these hours:

    • Monday: 8 – 1
    • Tuesday: 12:30 – 7
    • Wednesday: 8 – 1
    • Thursday: 12:30 – 7
    • Friday: 8 – 1

 

  • Vermont Human Rights Commission:

File a formal Fair Housing Complaint

            OR

Call 802-828-2480

Navigating Post Shutdown: Essential Information for HUD Tenants 

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By Meryl Hartmann  
CVOEO Statewide Housing Advocacy Programs, Intern  

The Federal shutdown is over, but it may still take time to restart vital programs 

On November 12th, Congress passed a temporary funding bill, known as a continuing resolution (CR) on to end the federal shutdown, funding some federal programs, including the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through January 30, 2026. This resolution is temporary, still leaving the FY26 spending bill for Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD), which funds HUD’s affordable housing, community development, and homelessness service programs currently in consideration until the proposed bills by the House and Senate have been reconciled and enacted into law. 

The House bill proposed drastic cuts to several programs, while the Senate bill proposed increases to those same programs but not enough to support all Housing Choice Vouchers (HCVs) or Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHVs), differing in billions of dollars of governed funding. For current or prospective HUD tenants, understanding your rights and what to expect during this time is crucial as these spending bills are being reviewed by the federal government. 

Major Shake-Up in Homeless Policy 

The proposed changes to homelessness policy, detailed in a Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Continuum of Care (CoC) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), released by the Trump administration, on November 13th, could significantly impact nearly 170,000 previously homeless individuals by gutting long-term housing programs if enacted. This shift moves away from “Housing First” philosophy, which prioritizes immediate housing without preconditions, towards programs that mandate work and drug treatment, potentially leading to the loss of support for disabled individuals or those over the age of 50 who rely on CoC funds.  

The plan, set to begin as early as January 2026, also includes a dramatic reduction in aid for permanent housing and introduces new two-year limits on Section 8 and other subsidized housing vouchers, emphasizing transitional housing instead of permanent solutions. The National Alliance to End Homelessness warns of a forceful shift in community apportionment in funds towards less long-term housing programs and solutions, towards more transitional or temporary shelters, housing, or new Support Services Only initiatives. 

Shutdown Risks for HUD-Assisted Households-National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) 

The National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) closely monitored the shutdown’s impact on HUD programs and the communities they serve. It is important to stay informed and know where to seek help if needed. 

Here is what HUD tenants need to know now! 

Protection Against Rent Increase or Evictions: HUD voucher holders and public housing tenants are protected from rent increases, voucher termination, or evictions. As a voucher holder, you are only required to pay your predetermined portion of the rent. 

Project-Based Section 8 (PBS8) Contracts: Most PBS8 owners have active HUD contracts extending beyond the end of the year, ensuring payments. HUD plans to have staff available to review and renew any contracts that may expire soon. Your lease should include the contact information for your PBS8 Contract Administrator or visit Vermont State Housing Authority staff directory. You are only required to pay your portion of the rent as a PBS8 tenant. Landlords may try to increase rent on tenants living in properties with expiring contracts. If this happens to you, continue to pay your portion of the rent and immediately reach out to an attorney for guidance. 

Legal Assistance is Available: If a landlord attempts to increase your rent or evict you, contact an attorney immediately. Free legal help can be found at www.lsc.gov or www.LawHelp.org. When meeting with legal professionals, bring your current lease (if available), any expired rental agreements, and all notices from your landlord or property manager. 

For Assistance in Vermont: Contact the Vermont Tenants Hotline with any questions about your rights and responsibilities, habitability issues, or other housing concerns. Our skilled advocates offer consultations, referrals, and navigation support. Call (802) 864-0099 or email vttenants@cvoeo.org. 

Visit https://vtlawhelp.org/ for clear civil (non-criminal) legal information and free or low-cost legal help in Vermont. Use the Legal Help Tool (https://vtlawhelp.org/triage/vt_triage), Roadmaps (https://vtlawhelp.org/roadmaps), and VT Court Forms (https://vtlawhelp.org/vtcourtforms) to get guidance, fill out forms, and navigate common legal issues. You’ll also find legal rights information, health care help, community resources, forms, guides, and sample letters. For more assistance, visit the “How We Can Help” page to contact Legal Services Vermont or Vermont Legal Aid. 

Take Action: 

Email or call your Congress members’ offices to talk to them about the importance of affordable housing, homelessness, and community development resources to you, your family, your community, or your work. You can use NLIHC’s Take Action page to look up your member offices or call/send an email directly!   

Sources: 

https://www.nhlp.org/wp-content/uploads/NHLP_Tenant_Flyer_Gov_Shutdown.pdf?utm_source=NLIHC+All+Subscribers&utm_campaign=33ff9ca965-NLIHC_Statement_on_Partial_Shutdown&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-b3fee911cf-434909691&ct=t(NLIHC_Statement_on_Partial_Shutdown) 

https://www.nhlp.org/wp-content/uploads/NHLP_Memo_Gov_Shutdown.pdf 

https://nlihc.org/resource/government-shutdown-extends-second-week-after-failed-cr-votes-senate 

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/12/us/politics/trump-homeless-funding.html 

https://nlihc.org/resource/federal-government-reopened-congress-must-now-pass-fy26-hud-spending-bill-protect-vouchers#:~:text=Memo%20to%20Members-,Federal%20Government%20Reopened;%20Congress%20Must%20Now%20Pass%20FY26%20HUD%20Spending,is%20necessary%20to%20maintain%20assistance. 

 

Rising Housing Costs Lead to Rising Instability

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By Kahlia Livingston, Fair Housing Project Education & Outreach Coordinator

Recent data from the National Low Income Housing Coalition highlights significant housing costs burdens on Vermonters. These statistics show how housing costs have a greater impact on low-income households, many of which are people in protected classes. Protected classes are groups of people who are legally protected from discrimination based on who they are. When a seemingly neutral policy or action negatively impacts some people more than others, we also call this “disparate impact.”

Here are some specific data points:

  • Vermont Minimum Wage: $14.01
  • Rent amount that would be affordable for a Minimum Wage worker: $729
  • This means a Minimum Wage worker would need to work 67 hours/week to afford a modest 1-bedroom rental home at Fair Market Rent
  • Vermont Fair Market Rent (set by HUD): 1-bedroom $1,218; 2-bedroom, $1,546
  • 1-Bedroom Housing Wage: $23.43 (This is the amount a person would need to earn to afford a Fair Market Rent unit)
  • 2-Bedroom Housing Wage: $29.73

What story does this tell?

When a person spends most of their income on rent, they have less for other costs, such as food, childcare, transportation, recreation, etc. If someone’s income is very high and they spend 50% of it on housing, that still leaves a lot left over for other expenses. However, when a person’s income is low, 50% is a much smaller amount and doesn’t leave much.

When people have limitations or a crisis that affects their ability to work, take care of themselves or their families, or seek resources or adequate medical care, these housing costs burdens have a great impact on their livelihood, wellbeing, and their communities. The average Vermonter earns $17.67/hour, which would make $919/month an affordable rent. However, the average cost for a studio or one-bedroom “Market Price” apartment in Vermont is between $1,600-$1,800 per month, which is far beyond what is considered “Fair Market Rent.” This means the average Vermonter would have to work 1.7 full-time jobs to afford rent at fair market rate or 2.25 full-time jobs to afford rent at the average Market Price cost without having any income leftover for other expenses. Many people with membership in protected classes may have physical, mental, or emotional impairments, lack of time or flexibility in schedule, or family responsibilities. These conditions can make it harder to access jobs, higher education, or professional development and skill-building opportunities to increase their income and reduce or prevent housing and food insecurity. Many people in protected classes are elderly or have disabilities and have fixed incomes that cannot accommodate the increasing housing costs. This dynamic can create a cycle of poverty that can be difficult to improve without external support. Many rental units throughout Vermont exceed the Fair Market Rent amount.

And it’s not just the cost of housing that can limit members of protected classes.  Moving is expensive and many people don’t have the opportunity or time to move into a new apartment every few years once their rent becomes too high. Some people don’t have access to transportation that can get them to and from a job or to an area with more affordable housing. Rising housing costs will ultimately lead to increased housing insecurity and add to the population of unhoused people.

A shortage of affordable housing is a public health crisis that affects everyone. The growing costs to access and sustain housing creates a burden on most people and those with low incomes and barriers are affected the most. It is crucial that we find solutions to address these costs for everyone and protect the most vulnerable. As you reflect on this data, consider the true cost of housing instability and how it impacts your community.

Want more Fair Housing information? Contact us to schedule a Fair Housing Training, “Know Your Rights” Fair Housing and Tenant Skills Workshop, or a community housing discussion: (802) 660-3456 ext 110, email: fhp@cvoeo.org.

Welcome new HAP interns!

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Please join us in welcoming CVOEO’s Fall 2025 Housing Advocacy Programs interns, Riley Machanic and Meryl Hartmann.

Riley and Meryl were paired with CVOEO through the University of Vermont’s Communities of Practice course: Nonprofits and Social Change, which matches students to various Vermont nonprofit organizations based on their interests and majors. They are excited to be interning with CVOEO this semester and to contribute to the organization’s advocacy efforts through research, education, and outreach. At UVM, they recognize a need for education because so many students are first-time renters and don’t know their rights and responsibilities as tenants. In addition to individual projects, they will coordinate an educational drop-in workshop designed to engage current and future student renters in Burlington.

Hello! I’m Riley Machanic, a senior in Economics and a 3rd generation UVM student.

In my free time, I like to play chess and spend time with my 2 dogs. I was born here in Burlington and grew up in South Burlington. Needless to say, I have a lot of love for this place and I am so excited for this opportunity to get involved with CVOEO. As an economics major, I have a huge interest in the housing market, its role in Vermont’s economy, and how we got into this current situation. I wanted to intern with CVOEO because they’re fighting for Vermonters’ rights to fair and affordable housing. With the supply and demand of affordable housing so far out of equilibrium, finding an apartment can feel very overwhelming and daunting. CVOEO has so many amazing resources and tools that make housing more approachable and accessible.

This semester, I will be developing an evaluation tool to collect data and feedback on client outcomes and satisfaction regarding the efficacy of the Housing Advocacy Programs’ resources and workshops. Understanding how clients are absorbing and utilizing information is crucial to helping more people in the future.

Contact Riley at riley.machanic@cvoeo.org

Hi! Meryl Hartmann, a UVM senior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Law and Society.

I am originally from Woodbury, Conn., a small, tight-knit town in Litchfield County. Growing up, I often visited Vermont on trips to a family friend’s farm in Orwell, which fostered my early connection to the state. As a political science major, I remain attuned to the shifting political landscape and its challenges for the non-profit sector in this country. My commitment to human rights advocacy motivates me to contribute actively to CVOEO’s mission of serving the Vermont renter community through education, support, and outreach. I believe that all Vermonters should have equitable access to these supportive resources and fair housing. As a student renter in Burlington, I am passionate about raising awareness in the Vermont community about the issues that affect renters, as well as their rights and responsibilities.

My main project for this semester is designing materials in the form of research-based social media posts and blog posts to help renters better navigate the Vermont housing landscape, which can be overwhelming, especially for low-income tenants in today’s challenging climate.

Contact Meryl at meryl.hartmann@cvoeo.org

2025 Fair Housing Month – Rolling the Credits

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2025 Fair Housing Month – Rolling the Credits

Join us for the Fair Housing Exhibit Closing Reception on Thursday, May 29th from 6p-8p at Burlington City Hall: https://fairhousingmonthvt.org/event-calendar/city-hall-art-exhibit-closing-celebration-5-29-25

We’ve officially wrapped up another successful and impactful Fair Housing Month. During this time, we celebrated the progress we have made towards addressing historical discrimination in housing while also taking time to mourn the regression we have seen and gather with each other to discuss more ways to enforce fair housing laws, prevent illegal housing discrimination, and be vigilant in protecting our most vulnerable community members.

Although April is Fair Housing Month, people are impacted by illegal housing discrimination all year long and we must continuously do fair housing advocacy, enforcement, education and outreach to rectify the plight of those who have been disenfranchised, oppressed and traumatized by housing injustices. We started the month with a Fair Housing Awareness Day at the Vermont Statehouse in collaboration with the Vermont Human Rights Commission. Throughout the day, we shared fair housing resources and information about illegal housing discrimination and engaged in discussions about the reality of our housing landscape and its impact on Vermonters. A Revolutionary Press was onsite making bookmarks with hand-set type and on a hand-operated letterpress for legislators, statehouse staff, and visitors. Kahlia Livingston, Fair Housing Project Education & Outreach Coordinator and Jess Hyman Associate Director of CVOEO’s Housing Advocacy Programs delivered testimony alongside Big Hartman, Executive Director of the Vermont Human Rights Commission in front of the House Committee on General and Housing and Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs. We explained why it is crucial for the State to increase  funding for fair housing enforcement and pass future housing related policies through a fair housing lens emphasized the importance of the need for rent stabilization, protecting communities of people vulnerable to housing discrimination, and building affordable housing that is accessible; and we spoke on behalf of the Housing Access for Immigrant Families bill (H.169) to include “Immigration and Citizenship Status” as a protected class. The initial language of that bill made it unlawful to require social security numbers in rental applications as many immigrants face a barrier to accessing housing if they do not obtain a social security number. Advocates from Migrant Justice were present doing testimony and a press conference to encourage support if this bill. Students from Winooski and Colchester high schools joined the testimony to share personal stories about how the current statewide housing crisis affects their families. Following Fair Housing Awareness Day, Vermont’s governor, Phil Scott issued a  statewide proclamation in support of fair housing laws and their enforcement. The Vermont Legislature further committed to Fair Housing Month in a concurrent resolution and the Town of Hinesburg and the Town of Burlington have also recognized the necessity of fair housing laws and pledged to carry out implementation. The 2025 Fair Housing Proclamations can be read here.

On April 3rd we hosted a kickoff event to celebrate Fair Housing Month with special guest Cashauna Hill, Executive Director of the Redress Movement. The evening featured a reception with refreshments and an opportunity to explore the inspiring “Voices of Homes” storytelling exhibit by Corrine Yonce who opened the event with a few words about the project. Following the reception, Cashauna delivered an engaging and inspiring keynote address and discussion. She presented information about her past and current work to advocate, educate, and litigate for the communities she serves to resolve harms from illegal housing discrimination. Cashauna shared historical and modern examples of housing segregation and breaches of fair housing laws then discussed the established settlements for these acts. Her dedication and contributions to housing justice were inspiring and motivating to our attendees as we mobilize and continue to navigate an ongoing housing crisis where discrimination is prevalent and increasing. This event was in partnership with the Northeast Vermont REALTOR® Association and the Fletcher Free Library and sponsored by the Land Access and Opportunity Board. The keynote address by Cashauna Hill is available to watch here:  https://www.cctv.org/watch-tv/programs/fair-housing-month-kickoff-keynote-cashauna-hill

The Fair Housing Friday Webinar Series resumed this year with three new webinars featuring interviews with housing advocates around the state hosted by Kahlia Livingston. The series included an array of topics: we discussed barriers that tenants face and trends in the housing needs of renters, the most recent Housing Needs Assessment and what the projected needs tell us about Vermont housing, and what promotion and commitment to fair housing looks like through a homeownership perspective. The interview guests are dedicated housing educators and advocates from various organizations in Vermont that provide housing services. Watch those interviews here and read the descriptions below:

  • “What Do Tenants Need”: Vanessa Bonebo, Executive Staff Assistant of the Vermont Human Rights Commission and Karin Ames, Housing Education Coordinator at CVOEO discussed their experiences working as firsthand resources for tenants around the state dealing with housing barriers and illegal housing discrimination. They both do amazing work that is critical to addressing the harms and trauma that stems from these egregious offenses. Click Here to Watch!
  • “Let’s Crunch the Numbers: Addressing the Vermont Housing Landscape” – Nate Lantieri, Research Coordinator for the Vermont Housing Finance Agency joined us to discuss the most recent Housing Needs Assessment that was published last year (2024). We examined what the collected data tells us about our statewide housing necessities. Click Here to Watch!
  • “Fair Housing in Homeownership” – Joined by Ana Mejia, Homeownership Specialist at the Windham & Windsor Housing Trust and Julie Curtin, Director of Homeownership at the Champlain Housing Trust who discussed homeownership programs available through their organizations. We examined the importance of accessible resources for homeownership and their efforts to rectify the harms of historical housing segregation and discrimination. Click Here to Watch!

As this year’s fair housing month adjourns, we extend thanks to our partners, sponsors, webinar guests, residents of: Grand Way Commons, Decker Towers, and Wharf Lane, and all facilitators of fair housing month events and the participants who attended. We greatly appreciate everyone who requested Art Kits that include the HeART & Home prompts, and those of you who reached out to share your completed art pieces, and housing events to be included on the fairhousingmonthvt.org website. April was filled with comradery, education, advocacy, art-making, and joyful activities with residents all throughout the state. We hope that these events have increased awareness and passion to achieve housing justice and we’re looking forward to upcoming collaboration and fair housing efforts for the rest of the year. Stay updated with Fair Housing news and events by following our thriving communities social media pages on Facebook, and Instagram (@thrivingcommunitiesvt). Connect with us on social media or send us an email at fhp@cvoeo.org.

CVOEO coordinates April Fair Housing Month activities in collaboration with a statewide network of housing, community, and arts partners, including Vermont Human Rights Commission, Vermont Humanities, Housing & Homelessness Alliance of Vermont, Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development, Vermont Department of Libraries, Vermont Legal Aid, Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission, Fletcher Free Library, Vermont Folklife, Burlington City Arts, A Revolutionary Press, Young Writers Project, and Northwest Vermont REALTOR® Association.
2025 activities are made possible through the generous sponsorship of Champlain Housing Trust, Vermont Humanities, Burlington Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, Burlington Community & Economic Development Office, Land Access & Opportunity Board, Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission, Vermont Housing Finance Agency, Redstone, Cathedral Square, Evernorth, Vermont Housing & Conservation Board, and Vermont State Housing Authority.

Thank You for Another Successful Fair Housing Month

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We couldn’t be more grateful for the conversations we had throughout Fair Housing Month in April. We talked about how public spaces contribute to the sense of belonging, how we can reach a wider audience through creative forms of community engagement, the ways opportunities for resident feedback in how we shape our home & community spaces can foster a sense of agency– and so much more. We received countless responses to our HeART & Home Art prompts, illustrating how we each think of home, so much more than the shelter-structure. We have enjoyed seeing you in parks, laundromats, statewide calls in the digital space, breweries, in passing in our hallways and on our sidewalks. And we also appreciate the quiet listeners, tuning in from your work day when you can, sharing the events and activities in your communities.

Each year, our work grows

Each year, the network of Fair Housing Month partners grows, allowing this work to reach more people across the state. Almost 200 people participated in the CVOEO lead workshops, community conversations, Fair Housing Friday discussions, art events, and countless other educational activities, and hundreds more were engaged by partners across the state. We distributed more than 1,100 HeART & Home Art kits to invite reflection on the foundation that home provides to all of our lives, and how important it is to have agency in our home-space to accommodate our unique, individual ways of living.

These activities went far beyond the basics of fair housing and included discussion on ways to make our towns and cities more welcoming, issues related to housing access and homelessness, and how to address community housing needs. 

Here are a couple of highlights that were recorded:

  • The  Community Day of Action press event included compelling explanations about the connection between green space, equity, and a sense of community. You can watch the recording here  (also linked above!)
  • The Vocabulary of Home conversation at Contois Auditorium highlighted the importance of talking about affordable housing from the lens of “home,” and the voices of the people who live there. CVOEO’s Fair Housing Project joined Burlington’s Special Assistant to End Homelessness Sarah Russell at Contois Auditorium for a discussion on how we talk about housing and homelessness. Wearing both her “housing hat” and “artist hat,”  CVOEO’s Fair Housing Project’s Corrine Yonce used images from her public art, lessons from the HeART & Home art responses, and anecdotes from residents in affordable housing to highlight the complexities in our housing language.  You can watch that recording here.
  • We had another round of stellar Fair Housing Friday discussions, featuring voices of resident engagement coordinators, affordable housing residents, community artists, media makers and organizers, city planners, advocates– and more! These are out-of-the-box creative discussions about the state’s housing needs, avenues for directly involving the people living in affordable housing, and how we think about home and community as a state. You can find those recordings, along with a archive of past Fair Housing Fridays, here.
  • We hosted an art opening at King St Laundry as part of a public art series, where we talked about the role public art plays in furthering equality in our housing landscape, and how public spaces can act as an extension of our homes.
  • One rainy Saturday evening, CVOEO Fair Housing Project, along with the Vermont Affordable Housing Coalition and Main Street Landing, closed out a month of activities with a housing social followed by the film The Pursuit of Happyness. 

An Abundance of Gratitude

We want to give a special shout out to the Fair Housing Friday guest panelists:

Meaghan Tedder, of Evernorth Housing, Will Condry and Jennifer Herrera Condry  of Juniper Creative Arts, Sal Millichamp, of Laurentide – thank you for sharing your insights on how we can engage the people we house in their shared and private spaces. 
  • This was a rich conversation between community artists, resident service providers, and residents living in affordable housing, with specific insight on not just how to engage residents in the design of their home spaces, but how resident feedback can make our work as housing providers more efficient. You can find the recording here.
Jordyn Fitch & Maeve Littau of Junction Arts Media – thank you for sharing your documentary, your voice and your perspective on this topic! Your work documenting the housing landscape in Connecticut River Valley region comes a critical time to listen to the people most impact by our housing shortage. 
  • Jordyn and Maeve’s shared unique perspective comes in the midst of a string of housing events hosted by Junction Arts and Media, including a documentary screening of Racist Trees and an art exhibit, Redlining Our Souls. Learn more here.  You can catch their Fair Housing Friday discussion here.
To John Haffner of Vital Communities, and Meagan Tuttle & Sarah Morgan of the Burlington Office of City Planning, and Beth Whitlock representing Hinesburg Housing Committee – thank you for sharing how the ways we talk about housing can inform the ways communities think about and engage with housing, and for introducing tools to expand our housing vocabulary.
  • The panelists covered a lot of ground related to this topic, from the ways assumptions about “Vermont communities” may limit us from meeting our housing needs to the surprising ways Vermont downtown centers historically met many of the smart growth goals we strive for today.  You can find the full recording here.

We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to our Fair Housing Month partners, including Vital Communities and the White River Valley Consortium for bringing Fair Housing education and HeART & Home art kits to welcome in new members of the Rochester community, and to the Home Creators Expo. We thank all the libraries who hosted workshops, art activities, and educational information, and the Vermont Department of Libraries for connecting us to these incredible resources across the state. Thank you to Junction Arts & Media, Randolph Area Community Development, RuralEdge, Vermont LegalAid, CEDO, ONE Arts, Vermont Human Rights Commission, the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development, Burlington REIB and the Vermont Affordable Housing Coalition for helping us reach as many Vermonters as we can with our Fair Housing Month programming.

And a huge thank you to all of our sponsors: Champlain Housing Trust, Cathedral Square, Evernorth, Farrell Properties, Main Street Landing, Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission, Pomerleau Real Estate, Redstone, Vermont State Housing Authority, Vermont Housing & Conservation Board, and Vermont Housing Finance Agency

The work is Far From Over

Finally, we remind ourselves that this work is far from over. Fair Housing Month activities wrapped up in advance of 1,800 Vermonter facing imminent displacement, 600 of whom are children, many of whom have serious health requirements – like access to ventilation equipment and regular nursing needs – many of whom are fleeing domestic violence, and who disproportionately represent the members of our community traditionally denied equal opportunity to housing. Renters face rising rent costs despite wages not growing in proportion, in the midst of an unprecedented housing shortage. Black and Brown Vermonters continue to rely on rental housing at a far greater rate than white Vermonters, who are also privileged with greater access to home ownership. Renters are not afforded Just Cause eviction protections in most of the state, and more than half of renters are cost burdened by their rental cost, thus resigned to a sense of precarity. Our dire housing landscapes calls us to continue to have these conversations, which outline creative, innovative, and new ways to address a growing problem.

Join Us to Celebrate Fair Housing Month

April Fair Housing Month, April Fair Housing Month, fair housing, fair housing fridays, Fair Housing Month, Uncategorized,

It is almost our favorite time of year here at the Fair Housing Project of CVOEO- Fair Housing Month!

Each April at CVOEO’s Fair Housing Project, we celebrate the 1968 passage of the Fair Housing Act with a series of public education and art events to raise awareness about housing discrimination in Vermont and the positive role that inclusive, affordable housing plays in thriving communities. To promote Fair Housing education and awareness, the Fair Housing Project facilitates a series of zoom webinars, Fair Housing workshops, and art activities, prompting participants to reflect on what Fair Housing means in their community.


Join us!
There are a variety of ways you, your community, or your organization can participate in the celebration this year, despite us being unable to meet in person. Our Fair Housing Month calendar is filling with events hosted by us and organizations across the state, including Fair Housing Friday zoom webinars, the Old North End Art Center’s art camps, and HeART & Home community art project, library book and film discussions, and Fair Housing workshops.

Let us know how you, your community, or your organization would like to participate by filling out this  brief form.

(Of course, we anticipate these activities will be held remotely, and when possible, outdoors with physical distancing.)

Here are some examples of the variety of ways you can join us in celebrating Fair Housing Month: 

  • Host an event in your community focusing on the history and impact of the Fair Housing Act, local housing needs, or the value of diversity and inclusion in housing (which we will add to our Fair Housing Month event calendar)
  • Participate in the HeART & Home Community Art Project, or lead a HeART & Home Community Art activity in your community/classroom/organization
  • Participate as a panelist in one of our three Fair Housing Fridays
  • Invite us to do a Fair Housing workshop with your community/organization
  • Start a discussion  group in your organization or community (see list of books and films at https://libraries.vermont.gov/fairhousing2021)

This year we have a new partnership with the Vermont Department of Libraries and Vermont Library Association for new activities, like book discussion groups, story walks, and more at sites all over the state. Click here to learn more!

One of the HeART & Home Art Prompts. For more, visit https://fairhousingmonthvt.org/community-art-submissions

Are you curious about our HeART & Home Community Art Project? Check out a couple of the prompts we are sharing with our project participants.

For examples of past activities and to see this year’s full calendar of events (which will be posted later this month), visit www.FairHousingMonthVT.org. 

If you are interested in participating in any capacity in our Fair Housing Month Celebration, please fill out this brief form.

Fair Housing Month activities in Vermont are coordinated by the Fair Housing Project of CVOEO, in collaboration with Vermont Department of Libraries, Vermont Library Association, ONE Arts Center, Vermont Legal Aid, Vermont Human Rights Commission, VT Department of Housing and Community Development, and other partners. This program is supported by a Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Housing Initiatives Program grant and supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, a federal agency, through the Library Service and Technology Act as administered by the Vermont Department of Libraries.

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. The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination concerning the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, and as amended, disability and family status. This also covers harassment, including sexual harassment.

Vermont has additional protections based on age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, receipt of public assistance, being a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, and denial of development permitting based on the income of prospective residents.

To learn more about your Fair Housing rights and responsibilities, visit www.cvoeo.org/fhp and see www.fairhousingmonthvt.org for April fair Housing Month details. Contact us at fhp@cvoeo.org.

Just cause increases household health and stability

Eviction, fair housing, Housing Inequality, Inclusive Communities, Uncategorized, , ,

This is part of a series of commentaries by CVOEO and Vermont Legal Aid in support of Just Cause Eviction policy. The series includes:

By Housing Navigator Ryan Murphy and Director Sandrine Kibuey, Housing Advocacy Programs, CVOEO

Thousands of Vermont renters live day-to-day, in precarious housing, uncertain of how they will be able to make ends meet and afford the rent, buy food, or put gas in their car to get to work. It is a constant struggle and COVID-19 has deepened the impact of these daily struggles. The state and federal eviction moratoriums have provided temporary relief to many tenants, but the fear of being evicted is nonetheless real. And on top of it all, the question about why and when is also a great source of stress as a “no cause” eviction is a possibility for all tenants living in Vermont.

Vermont housing law allows landlords to evict any tenant for any reason with as little as 90 days’ notice and no-cause eviction is particularly worrisome for families, older Vermonters, as well as people of color. For many, this experience has been one of extreme consequences; here are a few examples.

Maintenance complaints and retaliation

Jeffrey and his partner, Abigail, received a no-cause lease termination notice this winter after almost a decade in the same home. He was not totally happy with the apartment as the heat had been cutting out, the wooden floors splintered his kids’ feet, and the driveway iced over so badly that he had once fallen and broken his leg.

Jeffrey had verbally complained to the landlord about these issues many times and he even had a few records of his complaints in his email outbox and ‘sent’ text messages. His landlord lived down the block, and Jeffrey felt that hand-delivering a letter, or sending one via certified delivery, might come off as petty and antagonizing but finally decided to send one.

It was hard not to feel like the eviction notice had come as retaliation for frequent repair requests. In Vermont, landlords are prohibited from practicing this kind of retaliation, but there is no mechanism to stop them from delivering no-cause termination notices. If the landlord’s case against Jeffrey went to court, Jeffrey might stand a chance of winning. Because of COVID, though, eviction cases are “stayed.” Technically, Jeffrey and his family could stay in the apartment until the end of the moratorium, but then they could risk getting an eviction for cause as holdover tenants and ruin their housing history for a long time. 

It was clear to Jeffrey and Abigail that they needed to line up a new place to live. After weeks of scouring the internet for available, affordable apartments around Burlington, they made the difficult decision to put down a deposit on a place in a neighboring state. They did not see the benefit of engaging in a big fight to stay in a home that would still need many repairs and a landlord resenting them, refusing to address these habitability issues.

From stability to eviction

On the last day of 2020, John’s family received a no-cause lease termination notice. It was yet another difficulty in a challenging year. John imagined trying to explain his current situation to the person he’d been only 12 months ago.

In March, John had been furloughed from his lucrative job as a contractor, and then he had been let go entirely. His job had been the family’s sole source of income. John had always made enough money to take care of himself, his wife, and his kids. Despite his job loss, he was grateful that he had enough in his financial safety net to keep current on rent for a couple of months until the pandemic ended.

A couple of months turned into a few, so John and Michaela applied for the Rental Housing Stabilization Program. They’d never had to apply for any kind of assistance before, but the deal was too good to pass up. The money would cover four months’ rent in full as long as their landlord agreed to sign their application. The landlord did agree to sign it, but in doing so, saw that the couple was in dire financial straits.

John finally found work again, though at a lower salary.  His paychecks went towards paying off past-due medical bills and the credit cards that had been maxed out buying groceries and gas. Interest kept accruing and so many creditors called that he and Michaela couldn’t tell which were legitimate and which were scammers.

Then then the car got repossessed. John’s credit score took a 100-point nosedive. He still needed to get to work and couldn’t deal with another monthly debt payment, so he found a car on Craigslist and bought it outright. Registration, titling, and inspection would cost the equivalent of 16 hours’ pay assuming that nothing needed repair.

Then, in December, he was holding a piece of paper that ordered his family to pack up and leave in 90 days. In agreeing to the Rental Housing Stabilization Program, John’s landlord had agreed not to evict him for nonpayment, but there were no protections against no-cause eviction. There was also a statewide eviction moratorium, but it was slated to end two weeks before the day the needed to be out. Although John’s family could only be forced to leave their home through a court order, staying in their home past the date on the eviction notice could cause them to be evicted for cause as holdover tenants.

With a low credit score, low income, and an eviction proceeding hanging over their heads, John was not hopeful about their prospects. It was completely defeating. He had never worked so hard in his life, but the more he tried to keep his family afloat, the more they only seemed to get further underwater.

Eviction is a traumatic event with lasting effects on a person and family’s emotional, social, and physical well-being. These conditions affect a person’s ability to lead a healthy life and deepen health disparities. Voting “yes” for just cause eviction would offer renters a modicum of security by requiring landlords to provide a good reason for evicting their tenants. Just cause would increase overall housing stability, which leads to stronger and more vibrant communities.

To learn more about this issue, view the Feb. 26 Fair Housing Friday webinar. 

Fair Housing Friday: Just Cause Eviction & Why It is Important for Housing Equity Feb 26

Burlington, Eviction, fair housing, fair housing fridays, housing discrimination, housing inequality, Inclusive Communities, Uncategorized

Join us for a lunchtime conversation on Just Cause Eviction on Friday, Feb. 26 – 12:30-1:30pm.

Panelists include Brian Pine, speaking on behalf of the Just Cause Coalition, Michael Monte from Champlain Housing Trust, Bor Yang from the Vermont Human Rights Commission, and Christie Delphia from the Burlington Tenants Union. 

This conversation will highlight the ways language similar to Just Cause is already being used by nonprofit housers across Vermont, why evictions should be avoided & when they are actually necessary, and how Just Cause can combat housing discrimination. This lunchtime conversation will be recorded and have time at the end for a Q & A session.

Register using this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIvd-2hrDovG90HXUx0PDe1zXZYj6e7HHnI

And you can share our facebook event here:

http://https://www.facebook.com/events/451236372739293

Regarding the Just Cause Opposition’s recent disinformation campaign:

On Monday Morning of February 22nd, leaders from Rights & Democracy VT, Vermont Affordable Housing Coalition, The Black Perspective, Burlington City Council, Burlington Tenants Union, Burlington VT Democrats Vermont, state representative Kesha Ram -among others- came forward to address a recent disinformation campaign lead by the opposition to Just Cause. Leaders condemn the red lawn signs designed to scare tenants, spread baseless statements and co-op racial equity language.

 

And here is the Vermont Affordable Housing Coalitions response to this recent smear campaign: https://www.vtaffordablehousing.org/2021/02/19/the-vermont-affordable-housing-coalition-fully-supports-the-burlington-just-cause-charter-change-proposal/

 

The Fair Housing Project Visits Burlington City & Lake

Uncategorized

On Dec. 4, CVOEO’s Fair Housing Project Outreach and Education Coordinator, Corrine Yonce, took fair housing education out into the community by spending time with Burlington High School’s immersive learning program, Burlington City Lake Project.

Burlington City & Lake Students walk from the bus stop to Cambrian Rise, a new mixed-income community near their school

The day started by unpacking what fair and affordable housing mean. Corrine introduced the concepts through her own personal experiences, and asked students why they think both fair and affordable housing are important to inclusive communities. They also discussed and defined common housing terms like the Fair Housing Act, inclusionary zoning, protected classes, section 8, and market rate housing.

Students gather around Cambrian Rise to discuss how affordable & fair housing is important for thriving communities.

The students and teachers then took public transportation to check out one of the newest mixed-income housing complexes near where they go to school – Cambrian Rise. They talked about the controversy surrounding that development, and did the math for what 700 new housing units do for a community that has 1-2% housing vacancy rate.

One student asked “Why would they make 25% of the housing affordable by the lake when they could make more money developing all the housing as market rate?” which led to a discussion about equity in resources – especially for those in protected classes – and the important value of mixed-income communities.

“I grew up in a house nowhere near the lake, and I turned out fine. Why should having a view of the lake be important to low-income people?”

Another student was still not sold. “I grew up in a house nowhere near the lake, and I turned out fine. Why should having a view of the lake be important to low-income people?” Other students joined the conversation to point out the proximity of Cambrian Rise to other resources, like the bus line which they took to visit the community and the multi-use path that follows the coast of Lake Champlain.

Corrine shared an anecdote about working with the Champlain Housing Trust community, Laurentide, one of the earliest Cambrian Rise buildings to be fully occupied. Many residents there arrived to an art workshop Corrine had lead with images of the sunset on the lake. A few residents explained how past places they lived were overcrowded, on busy streets, and only close to strip malls. The lake added to their sense of place, belonging, and provided a peaceful outlet for busy lives.

This anecdote helped students understand that not all the impacts of fair, affordable, inclusive housing are quantifiable. Some of the impacts can only be learned through listening to the experiences of the people most impacted by affordable housing.