Affordable Housing Opportunities

VIA has experienced great success in pressing the City of Burlington and the University of Vermont to set aside land for affordable housing, in strengthening or initiating regulations conducive to the building of affordable housing in Burlington and other towns in Chittenden County, and in raising awareness among the general public and community leaders about the need for - and benefit of - affordable housing.

VIA brings the moral authority of persons of faith, particularly clergy, to the discussion of affordable housing in our communities, as well as the mobilizing and training of large numbers of people to speak on behalf of their need for and their desire for justice with regard to housing.

VIA accomplishments on affordable housing include:

• Obtaining passage of a strengthened inclusionary zoning ordinance in Burlington’s re-write of its zoning regulations.
  
• Winning commitments in Burlington from the mayor, city council and other local officials to build housing on a city-owned parking lot.
  
• Convening 200 people to celebrate winning a commitment from the University of Vermont to build affordable housing for its faculty and staff, including UVM’s lowest-paid employees.
  
• Pressing the South Burlington Planning Commission and City Council to re-zone a plot of UVM land so that the university can fulfill its affordable housing commitment.
  
• Working with existing groups in Shelburne, Charlotte, Hinesburg and Williston to promote affordable housing throughout Chittenden County.
  
• Developing a presentation to show to congregations and other local groups to educate the public about the need for and benefits of affordable housing.