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 and transfer its Hardwick housing assets to affordable housing nonprofit, RuralEdge. We still have a long way to go to successfully complete the process, but are ultimately moving towards an outcome that will better serve the people of Lamoille County and the Town of Hardwick with more capacity and resources, enhanced affordable housing services, and positive movement of our mission forward locally. Thank you for supporting this inspired vision for the future of affordable housing in Lamoille County and the Town of Hardwick!
What does this mean for LHP residents?
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.
Miss the meeting?
A recording of the meeting is available by request, please contact Advancement & Communications Director Kerrie Lohr.
Questions, comments, concerns? Please do not hesitate to reach out to LHP Interim Executive Director Lucy Leriche, lucy@lamoillehousing.org or (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? Alliance Property Management will continue to manage LHP properties. Please contact Alliance when matters of this nature arise. If at any time that changes, you will be notified of your new contact.
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? Alliance Property Management will continue to be your primary point of contact. If at any time that changes, you will be notified of your new contact. 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 and Orange counties, RuralEdge’s service area includes Essex, Caledonia and Orleans counties.
