On June 17, 2024 at the Special Membership Meeting, more than 45 members comprised largely of LHP residents unanimously voted yes to Article 7: Shall the members of Lamoille Housing Partnership Inc. approve the Disposition of the Corporation’s Hardwick assets and development territory to Gilman Housing Trust Inc., DBA RuralEdge, and Merger of the Corporation with Downstreet Housing and Community Development?
What’s next?
LHP will continue activities to merge with affordable housing nonprofit Downstreet Housing & Community Development (Downstreet) and transfer its Hardwick housing assets to affordable housing nonprofit, RuralEdge.
LHP’s properties will continue to be operated as affordable housing and owned by affordable housing nonprofit organizations. Residents’ housing will be secure and not at risk. For more details, scroll down to the list of Frequently Asked Questions.
Questions, comments, concerns? If you have any questions, please call 802-888-5714.
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What does this mean for Lamoille Housing Partnership residents?
Will there be rent increases? There will not be rent increases associated with the merger.
Why is a merger happening? Affordable housing development is changing. A merger will help to better serve the people of Lamoille County and Hardwick by bringing more capacity and resources to our region, enhance affordable housing services locally, and positively move our mission forward in our communities.
Who will handle building maintenance, lease and tenant matters? On December 1, 2024 Downstreet began managing LHP properties in Lamoille County. Learn more about this change.
Will my rent be affected? Is my housing at risk? LHP’s properties will continue to be operated as affordable housing and owned by affordable housing nonprofit organizations. Your housing will be secure and not at risk.
Will there be updates to rental units, buildings and the properties? Updates to units will continue to happen as needs arise and resources become available.
Can I still talk to a local representative? We are thrilled to announce that Downstreet is expanding to serve Lamoille County, beginning with the property management of Lamoille Housing Partnership (LHP) properties on December 1, 2024. Additionally, Downstreet will continue to have staff and an office in Morrisville. RuralEdge and Downstreet will continue to maintain offices in St. Johnsbury and Barre, respectively.
Will the tenant screening process change? The tenant screening process will continue to be done in accordance with LHP’s mission and will continue to comply with all State and Federal laws and regulations.
Who are Downstreet and RuralEdge? Similar to LHP, Downstreet and RuralEdge are nonprofit affordable housing organizations. Downstreet’s service area includes Washington, Orange, and Lamoille counties, and RuralEdge’s service area includes Essex, Caledonia, and Orleans counties.
