US Department of Housing and Urban Development – Burlington, VT

Federal Housing Support in Vermont

The Burlington Field Office of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) serves as the primary federal liaison for housing and community development in the state of Vermont. Located in the downtown business district on St. Paul Street, this office is part of HUD’s Region I (New England). While HUD is a massive federal agency, this local field office acts as the ’boots on the ground,’ overseeing the implementation of federal programs and ensuring that local agencies comply with national standards.

Mission and Scope

The Field Office does not generally work directly with individual borrowers or renters in the same way a bank or landlord would. Instead, it coordinates with local partners:

• Oversight: Staff here monitor the performance of local Public Housing Authorities (like the Burlington Housing Authority) and agencies receiving Community Development Block Grants (CDBG).
• FHA Loans: The office provides information on Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance programs, though individuals must apply for these loans through approved private lenders.
• Homelessness: The office works with the Vermont Continuum of Care to distribute funding for homeless shelters and rapid re-housing initiatives.
• Fair Housing: Staff can direct citizens on how to file discrimination complaints if they believe their rights under the Fair Housing Act have been violated.

Visiting the Federal Building

The HUD office is housed within a secured federal facility.

Security Protocols

Visitors must be prepared for airport-style security. This includes passing through a metal detector and having bags x-rayed. Valid government-issued photo ID is mandatory for entry. Weapons, including small knives and pepper spray, are strictly prohibited.

Appointments

While the office maintains standard business hours, it is primarily an administrative workspace. It is highly recommended to call ahead before visiting. Many inquiries, such as checking the status of a Section 8 waiting list, are best directed to the specific local housing authority rather than the HUD Field Office.

Location and Transit

The office is located on St. Paul Street, near the intersection with Cherry Street.

Parking

There is no dedicated parking for the building. Visitors should use the nearby municipal parking garage (Marketplace Garage) or on-street metered parking.

Public Transportation

The location is just a block away from the Green Mountain Transit (GMT) Downtown Transit Center, ensuring easy access from all surrounding communities.