Burlington Housing Authority – Burlington, VT

Providing Affordable Housing Solutions

The Burlington Housing Authority (BHA) serves as the city’s primary agency dedicated to addressing housing insecurity and homelessness. Established as Vermont’s oldest and largest housing authority, it operates with a mission to ensure that low-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities have access to safe, decent, and affordable housing. Located in the heart of downtown Burlington on Main Street, the BHA is a quasi-governmental entity that administers a variety of federal and state funded programs. While it works closely with the City of Burlington, it functions as an independent corporation governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners appointed by the Mayor. The agency is a critical resource for the community, managing millions of dollars in rental assistance and overseeing the maintenance and operations of hundreds of subsidized apartments scattered throughout the city.

Key Programs and Services

The BHA offers a multi-faceted approach to housing stability, moving beyond simple landlord duties to provide comprehensive support.

• Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers: This is the agency’s largest program, providing rental subsidies to eligible families who rent housing in the private market. The voucher covers the difference between 30% of the household’s income and the fair market rent, allowing participants to choose their own housing within the community.
• Public Housing: BHA owns and manages several affordable housing developments, such as the high-rise towers at Decker Towers and various family sites. These units are available to income-qualified applicants, though waiting lists can be lengthy due to high demand.
• Housing Retention Services: Recognizing that securing housing is only the first step, BHA provides case management and support services to high-risk tenants. This program helps residents navigate lease compliance, budget management, and conflict resolution to prevent eviction and recurrent homelessness.
• Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH): In partnership with the VA, this program combines rental assistance vouchers with case management and clinical services for homeless veterans.

Application and Visit Information

The administrative offices at 65 Main Street are the central hub for all applications and tenant services.

Applying for Housing

It is important to note that BHA does not typically offer emergency housing or immediate shelter. The application process for both Section 8 and Public Housing involves being placed on a waiting list, which is ordered by date, time, and local preferences (such as living or working in Burlington). Applications can be downloaded from their website or picked up in person at the office.

Office Hours and Access

The BHA office is generally open to the public from Monday through Thursday. Please note that the office is typically closed on Fridays, so applicants should plan their visits accordingly. Visitors should be prepared to check in at the front desk. While appointments are recommended for meeting with specific caseworkers or housing specialists, the front desk can assist with general inquiries and form drop-offs during business hours.

Location and Accessibility

The BHA headquarters is conveniently situated near the intersection of Main Street and Pine Street.

Public Transit

The office is just a short walk from the Green Mountain Transit (GMT) Downtown Transit Center, making it accessible from virtually anywhere in Chittenden County.

Parking

As the office is located in the busy downtown district, there is no free on-site parking for visitors. Guests must utilize the metered street parking on Main Street or one of the nearby public parking garages, such as the Lakeview or College Street garages. The building is fully wheelchair accessible, with an elevator serving the office suites.