Housing Vermont, a statewide affordable housing developer and tax credit syndicator, honored Neil Mickenberg, Burlington, and Will Belongia, Waterbury, for their outstanding contributions to the provision of affordable housing in Vermont.
The awards were presented at Housing Vermont’s annual meeting on September 8 in Burlington. “It’s our pleasure to publicly recognize the work of these two talented and committed individuals,” said Housing Vermont President Nancy Owens. “In different ways, Neil and Will have demonstrated the deep and lasting impact that individuals can make.”
Since its founding in 1988, the nonprofit Housing Vermont has raised more than $218 million in private equity to finance 144 affordable rental housing developments throughout the State. This equity has leveraged an additional $320 million in private financing and public investment. The 4,244 apartments created or renovated in these efforts serve low and moderate income Vermonters including seniors and those with special needs.
The Miles Jensen Award is presented annually by Housing Vermont to an individual who has made an outstanding volunteer contribution to affordable housing. Neil Mickenberg was recognized with the award for his leadership of the state commission which examined the delivery of affordable housing and conservation and for his many years of service as legal counsel to nonprofit housing organizations.
In presenting the award to Neil, Kenn Sassorossi said, “From his work to preserve Northgate Apartments more than 20 years ago to serving as the chair of the commission, Neil has consistently demonstrated his firm commitment to social justice and to accepting difficult challenges.”
Housing Vermont also recognized outstanding work by housing professionals through the presentation of the Michael M. Richardson Award. The award, dedicated to the memory of Mike Richardson who was the founding president of Housing Vermont, was presented to Will Belongia, President of the Vermont Community Loan Fund. Will started at the Loan Fund in 1993, became comptroller in 1995, CFO in 1998, and executive director in 2004.
“VCLF has $25 million under management and has invested in hundreds of businesses serving the low income community. They have a deep understanding of the financing needs of their borrowers. Will’s commitment to social equity emanates through the organization and his entrepreneurial and optimistic nature drives VCLF to find effective ways to support small businesses, childcare providers, affordable housing and community facilities,” Ms. Owens said.
In other action Bill Morlock, Springfield; Steve Marsh, Newport Center; John Nopper, Putney; Amy Demetrowitz, Burlington; Chip Hart, Burlington; and Janet Spitler, Shelburne were re-elected to the Housing Vermont Board of Directors.
