· The Shelter Plus Care Program continues to provide case management and housing for disabled homeless individuals. It has twenty two current participants and will add at least three more by the end of 2008. The Brattleboro Housing Authority became the grantee for this programin April 2008.

· This marks the third year of the Pathways to Housing Program funded by the Vermont Agency of Human Services operating throughout the AHS Windham County service area. The program provides rental assistance and intensive case management and transitional services to its participants. Participants must have barriers to housing which cause them to be ‘hard to house’ and come from one of these three priority groups: TANF families with children, youth leaving foster care and women leaving prison. The Program has funded over 20 participants to date. Currently, there are 7 families in the program with 10 children under 10 years of age. There are also 2 families approved, looking for housing and 3 applicants for the month of December 2008.

The Brattleboro Housing Authority has been asked by the State of Vermont Agency of Human Services to be the grantee for the “Pathways Now” program which is intended to serve up to 8 participants who are very hard to house. These individuals will receive a rental subsidy and be required to receive case management provided by the Pathways Now program. This program is under development at this time and is anticipated to begin in early 2009.

2008 Progress Statement:

In partnership with Housing Vermont, the state wide non-profit housing developer, BHA has worked to purchase and re-development property adjacent to Hayes Court into 21 affordable apartments and commercial rental space. This project has consumed significant Board and staff time and attention. The property, Ann Wilder Richards building, will serve as relocation for some residents when the Hayes Court assisted living facility is developed.

This marked the 8^th year of the ever expanding Summer Food Program. The program served 15,000 meals this summer at 12 sites throughout Brattleboro. BHA’s sponsorship of the Summer Food Program provides a vital service to community youth when school is not in session.

Board and staff continue to strengthen relationships with area service providers through active involvement in a wide variety of community, state and national organizations and activities.

BHA Board and staff are involved in a large number of civic and educational activities throughout the area.

The Brattleboro Housing Authority was extremely involved in assisting with finding housing for over 8 families that were displaced in the Spring of 2008 due to an apartment fire on Elm Street. All residents were housed with private landlords within 4 weeks.

Management

Goals: Manage the Authority’s programs in an efficient and effective manner applying sound management principles to the organization.

Manage the BHA’s compliance with HUD regulations

2008 Progress statement:

· The Welcome Program for new resident to public housing neighborhoods is in its 3^rd year. This program has cut down on frustration for new residents as it has helped them to get acquainted with their apartments, BHA rules, and the community. In addition it ensures that important details regarding policies and the lease are covered with residents again after the first few weeks of residency.

· The BHA website was developed and launched.

· BHA achieved a High Performer rating on its Public Housing Assessment Score and on its Section 8 Management Assessment Program.

· The Section 8 program issued 18 vouchers since January 1, 2008 and 15 applicants leased up for the first time.

· The Section 8 wait list was opened in May 2008 and the BHA received 100 applications.

Goal: To be responsible and active member of the greater Brattleboro community with respect to housing.