[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 12567]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    VERMONT STATE HOUSING AUTHORITY

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I congratulate the Vermont State Housing 
Authority, VSHA, on 40 years of excellence. This organization, which 
came into existence with a creative spark as the first statewide 
housing authority in the country, continues to find new and innovative 
ways to use Federal housing programs to find affordable homes for 
Vermonters.
  Reaching this milestone should bring great pride to the visionaries 
that created the system in 1968, including Governor Phil Hoff, and to 
the 40 years of staff, board members and leaders that have ensured that 
the statewide mission of VSHA has been carried out on a daily basis.
  The VSHA executive director, Richard Williams, has been at the helm 
of the VSHA for more than half its lifespan, working since 1984 to 
expand the reach of the organization, develop and maintain properties 
and move people out of the cold and into their own homes. It takes a 
man of great conviction to accomplish what he has done, and it takes a 
great team to deliver on the mission he and the board created. Richard 
was recently quoted saying, ``We are proud of what we've been able to 
accomplish for Vermonters over the past 40 years, but the challenges 
have never been greater. We're inspired and motivated by the knowledge 
that our services are needed more than ever.''
  One of VSHA's primary responsibilities is administering the 
Department of Housing and Urban Development's, HUD, Section 8 Voucher 
Program in Vermont. During the past 40 years, the VSHA has worked to 
increase the number of vouchers available to Vermonters in all corners 
of the State. This has been increasingly important as the Federal 
resources for the programs many of our Nation's most vulnerable 
populations depend upon have been shrinking and poorly prioritized. The 
number of low- to moderate-income Vermonters seeking affordable 
housing, including those with disabilities, the elderly and returning 
veterans, continues to climb. Fortunately for Vermonters, the VSHA is 
constantly recognized by HUD as one of the Nation's most well run and 
effective housing authorities--giving hope to those that might have 
lost hope in virtually every other government system.
  Not only has the VSHA worked to assist people in finding affordable 
apartments, but they have also helped many Vermonters pursue their 
dreams of homeownership. It gives me great pride to say that VSHA's 
Homeownership program has given more than 80 low-income Vermont 
families the opportunity to become homeowners. This dynamic program 
works to improve self-sufficiency by converting Section 8 vouchers into 
Homeownership Vouchers. I am happy to say that the VSHA Homeownership 
program has enabled low-income Vermonters to build equity and wealth 
while increasing their civic involvement.
  While providing housing for Vermonters, the VSHA has simultaneously 
preserved and revitalized town centers, historical buildings and a 
general sense of community across the State. They have done this with 
commendable collaboration with nonprofit organizations, the private 
sector and various government agencies. I have seen their work, and 
most importantly, I have seen the tremendous impact their programs have 
had on my home State and the people who call the Green Mountains their 
home.
  I congratulate the VSHA on their outstanding achievements over the 
past 40 years. On behalf of the people of Vermont, I applaud everyone 
who has worked to make the Vermont State Housing Authority a great 
success.

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