We’ve been actively engaged in advocacy, coalition building, and collaboration at a local and state level. This is an important part of our work as it covers so many critical aspects of our mission from building permanently affordable homes to supporting residents. Below is a summary of our efforts, you can click on the links to learn more about each.
Vermont Housing and Conservation Coalition day at the State House: We were at the statehouse on February 14th, Valentine’s Day, sharing the love for housing and conservation along with dozens of other organizations, nonprofits, and volunteer groups from across the state for the Vermont Housing and Conservation Day. The importance of affordable homes and protected natural resources and farms for Vermont cannot be overstated. We’re grateful to be supported and working with such incredible colleagues making such a positive impact for Vermonters today and future generations to come. Find our testimony in front of the Senate Institutions here (WWHT begins minute 22).
Let’s Build Homes: Elizabeth Bridgewater has joined the board of Let’s Build Homes (LBH), a non-partisan, pro-housing alliance, Representing diverse sectors, regions, and backgrounds, the Board will drive LBH’s mission to advocate for strategic housing policy reforms in Vermont. Learn more here: https://www.letsbuildhomes.org/
Promote Resident and Neighborhood Safety: A safe home and neighborhood is one of the five social determinants of health that indicate health and longevity for an individual. As Housing Providers, we play a significant roll in creating an environment where the community we house can count on stability and safety. Through direct support provided by in-house staff or from other organizations in the community, the safety net can help catch people when they need it. However, when the situation is dangerous, illegal or extremely disruptive, Housing Providers need a policy tool to respond effectively and quickly. We’re actively pursuing whether new law needs to be in place or if there are current laws that could be interpreted to address these situations more effectively. Are you interested in being part of the coalition moving this forward? Please let us know. What’s the background and context for this? Read more here.
One Brattleboro: We’re an active member of One Brattleboro, a public-private coalition that meets regularly to identify and address gaps or needs in public health and safety, as well as its impacts on the Town of Brattleboro. This group has been trained on the Situation Table that collaboratively identifies resources, organization and strategies for unique approaches for individuals in crisis.
Housing Advisory Council of the Federal Home Loan Bank: Elizabeth is an active member of the Advisory. In this capacity, we advise the bank as they develop policy guidelines for their affordable housing programs which provide resources throughout New England. Programs include Equity Builder, Housing our Workforce and Lift-Up.
