Vermont

Northwest Vermont

Implementation Grant Awardee

Grand Isle County Franklin County

The Northwest Collaborative received a three-year, $300,000 grant to implement initiatives that will promote stable housing, which supports equity and upward mobility from poverty. These initiatives will especially benefit people with low incomes, those with disabilities, the homeless, and aging populations.

Photo of Vermont, Northwest Collaborative country side.

vermontalm - stock.adobe.com

Challenge

Regional systemic problems related to housing availability, affordability, and quality have caused a loss of workforce talent and decreased workforce participation. This has disproportionately impacted vulnerable populations, including low-income individuals with scarce resources and barriers to supports and services. Creating an equitable housing system will foster economic stability for individuals and the region.

Strategy

Use quantitative methods to understand the housing needs of the region and form equitable, long-term solutions
Develop a “housing needs analysis” to provide data from all population sectors and make equitable, long-term solutions with the fewest unintended consequences
Increase communication, understanding, and shared goals between regional public and private entities, then use those relationships to build partnerships that can address future housing problems
Use stable housing to help residents find, gain, and sustain employment, so they can achieve economic success and be better positioned for upward mobility

Vision

Provide access to diverse housing types that are safe, accessible, affordable, and energy-and location-efficient, with proximity to jobs, services, schools, recreation, and a variety of transportation options. Housing will serve as a foundation for individuals to lead full and healthy lives, for communities to be vibrant and inclusive, and for the local and regional economy to grow and prosper.