Burlington Housing Authority

What Burlington Housing Authority does

Burlington Housing Authority (BHA) is a federally funded Public Housing Authority operating under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), established in 1961 to serve the greater Burlington, Vermont community. BHA administers rental assistance programs including the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD), and Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) programs, distributing approximately $25 million in annual federal rental subsidies to roughly 2,500 families. The agency owns and operates approximately 680 affordable housing units across 32 properties located near downtown Burlington, Winooski, and the New North End, with unit categories spanning Elderly/Disabled Housing (Decker Towers, Bishop Place), Family Housing (Franklin Square, Hillside Terrace, Riverside), Multifamily Housing with PBRA, and specialized housing (Sophie's Place for domestic violence survivors, Webster House for homeless individuals). Wait times for housing assistance are reported at five years or longer for some programs, indicating persistent demand-supply imbalance.

BHA generates operating revenue primarily through HUD administrative fees on HCV program expenditures, HUD operating subsidies for public housing units, tenant rents capped at 30% of household income, and a limited number of market-rate units (e.g., Duggan Row at $2,200/month for 3BR). The pricing model is structurally income-based rather than market-based for subsidized units. Beyond direct housing operations, BHA operates a layered set of supportive programs including Housing Retention one-on-one and site-based services, the nationally recognized SASH (Support and Services at Home) wellness program for seniors, the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program with escrow accumulation ranging from $1,400 to $22,000 upon completion, the Offender Re-Entry Housing Program (ORHP) integrated with the Vermont Department of Corrections, and a Homeownership Option enabling Section 8 participants to transition from renting to owning. The service area covers Burlington and portions of surrounding Chittenden County communities including South Burlington, Winooski, Colchester, Essex, Essex Junction, Shelburne, St. George, and Williston.

From a technology and operational standpoint, BHA is not a technology company: the input discloses no proprietary platforms, AI/ML capabilities, APIs, or SDKs, and characterizes the stack as standard property management systems, rental assistance administration, and housing retention case management. The agency is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners appointed by the Mayor of Burlington to five-year terms, with Steven Murray serving as Executive Director and Nicholas Hibbard as CFO. Marketing and customer acquisition rely almost entirely on community partner referrals (CVOEO, Howard Center, DOC, UVM Medical Center, Head Start, First Call, Dismas House, Oxford House), the BHA website, and limited social media presence on Facebook and Twitter/X, with no paid advertising evident. The competitive position is structurally protected by HUD's statutory designation of BHA as the regional administrator of federal rental assistance, and the agency's operational scale of 32 properties plus over 2,100 landlord partnerships in the Section 8 network creates meaningful barriers to entry for alternative providers.

Name

Burlington Housing Authority

Legal name

Burlington Housing Authority

Website

https://burlingtonhousing.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1961

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Burlington Housing Authority (BHA) is a HUD-funded public housing authority serving Chittenden County, Vermont since 1961, distributing approximately $25 million annually in rental subsidies to about 2,500 families while owning and operating approximately 680 affordable housing units across 32 properties and providing housing retention and supportive services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Housing Services

NAICS

Other Community Housing Services (624229), Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly (62331), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Operators Of Apartment Buildings (6513), Services-To Dwellings & Other Buildings (7340)

akta.pro primary industry

Public & Affordable Housing Programs (Subsidies, Vouchers, Public Housing) (BPAIANAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Housing & Neighborhood Services (Local Housing Programs) (BPAIACAJ), Affordable & Subsidized Housing Property Management (LIHTC, Section 8) (BPAJAFAD), Housing Assistance & Homeless Services (BPAGAEAB)

Keywords

• Public housing authority
• Section 8 vouchers
• Affordable housing management
• Rental assistance programs
• Housing retention services

Headquarters

HQ city

Burlington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. HUD Federally-Funded Rental Subsidies: BHA distributes approximately $25 million annually in federally-funded rental subsidies through the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. These funds come from HUD and help extremely low-income families (earning at or below 30% of median income) afford housing by reducing their portion of rent and utilities to 30% of their household income.
2. Affordable Housing Operations: BHA owns and operates approximately 680 affordable housing units across 32 properties. These units are reserved for low-income and extremely low-income residents, with rental subsidies ensuring affordable rents based on household income. Revenue comes from tenant rents (capped at 30% of income) and HUD subsidies.
3. Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA): BHA provides rental subsidies administered by HUD's Multifamily Division, helping approximately 250 families through the PBRA program. Subsidies are tied to specific units in multifamily properties managed by BHA.
4. Market Rate Unit Rentals: BHA operates a limited number of market rate units where rent is subject to landlord discretion, such as Duggan Row apartments. These units generate revenue at market rates for available housing stock.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Burlington Housing Authority is a HUD-regulated Public Housing Authority that administers federally-funded rental assistance programs (Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher, Project-Based Voucher, RAD, and Project-Based Rental Assistance) and owns/operates approximately 680 affordable housing units across 32 properties for extremely low-income families, elderly, disabled, and other vulnerable populations in Chittenden County, Vermont. It distributes roughly $25 million in annual HUD rental subsidies to about 2,500 families and provides retention, wellness, self-sufficiency, and offender re-entry support services alongside its housing portfolio.

Product overview

Burlington Housing Authority (BHA) operates as a public housing authority offering a comprehensive portfolio of affordable housing and support services. The core offerings include the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program and Project-Based Voucher (PBV) rental assistance, which subsidize housing costs for extremely low-income families. BHA owns and operates approximately 680 affordable housing units across 32 properties, categorized into Elderly/Disabled Housing, Family Housing, Multifamily Housing, and Other Housing (including market rate units and specialized housing like Sophie's Place for domestic violence survivors and Webster House for homeless individuals). The organization provides extensive support services including Housing Retention Services (one-on-one and site-based), the SASH/Wellness Program for seniors, Offender Re-Entry Housing Program, Family Self-Sufficiency Program, and Homeownership Option. These products and services work together to fulfill BHA's mission of providing safe, affordable housing while preventing homelessness and fostering vibrant neighborhoods.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program Federally-funded rental assistance program allowing voucher holders to pay 30-40% of household income toward rent and utilities, with BHA paying the balance directly to landlords in the private rental market. Serves approximately 2,500 extremely low-income families in Chittenden County annually through $25 million in HUD subsidies.
• Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Program Rental assistance attached to specific apartments in housing developments, where families apply to both BHA and the property management agent for the unit. Subsidies are tied to specific units rather than following the tenant.
• Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Properties Affordable housing properties under RAD conversion, with preferences given to elderly individuals (62+) or people living with disabilities. Includes Decker Towers, Bishop Place, and similar conversions.
• Multifamily Housing (Project-Based Rental Assistance) Housing with Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) vouchers administered by HUD's Multifamily Division, serving families in approximately 250 income-qualifying units across BHA's multifamily portfolio.
• Elderly/Disabled Housing Housing specifically available for elderly (62+) and/or disabled individuals, including Bishop Place and Decker Towers Apartments. RAD preferences give priority to these populations.
• Family Housing Housing available for individuals and families, including Franklin Square Apartments, Hillside Terrace Apartments, and Riverside Apartments. Designed for low-income families with children seeking affordable housing options.
• Sophie's Place Specialized housing for survivors of domestic violence, requiring referral from a qualifying agency or validated self-referral.
• Webster House Housing in Winooski for homeless individuals, requiring a referral letter from a qualifying agency through Coordinated Entry.
• Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program Voluntary employment and savings incentive program for Section 8 clients that helps participants set goals and build escrow accounts based on increased earned income. Past graduates have received escrow payouts ranging from $1,400 to $22,000 upon completion.
• Section 8 Homeownership Option Program enabling Section 8 voucher holders to apply their subsidy toward mortgage payments for purchasing a home instead of renting, with homeownership education provided through Champlain Housing Trust (designated NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center).
• Housing Retention One-on-One Services Individual support services helping households experiencing housing instability due to medical, mental health, hoarding, lease violations, or other challenges maintain their housing. Helps hundreds of households avoid eviction each year.
• Housing Retention Site-Based Services On-site housing retention support at designated BHA properties including Decker Towers, South Square Apartments, and Champlain Apartments for seniors and adults with disabilities. Coordinates with First Call of Chittenden County and Howard Center's Street Outreach Team.
• Offender Re-Entry Housing Program (ORHP) Search and retention program assisting incarcerated offenders upon release from incarceration or transitional housing to secure and maintain permanent housing in Chittenden County. Referrals flow through Vermont Department of Corrections' Offender Management System.
• SASH (Support and Services at Home) Program Nationally recognized program providing one-on-one support from SASH coordinators and wellness nurses to help seniors and adults with disabilities maintain independence in their homes at Decker Towers, South Square, and Champlain Apartments.

Quantifiable outcome

• Distributes $25 million in rental subsidies annually to help 2,500 families
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core, significant and supportive.

• Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCVOEO is a key referral partner for BHA housing programs. Coordinates with BHA on fair housing training for landlords and provides referrals for coordinated entry system. The Post Apartments project (176 So. Winooski Ave) is a joint effort with CVOEO and Champlain Housing Trust.
• Champlain Valley Head StartsignificantStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration between CVOEO & Champlain Valley Head Start, BHA, and City of Burlington's Early Learning Initiative (ELI) to develop a new high-quality child care center in the Old North End. The center creates 23 total child care spots (15 for ages 3-5 and 8 for infants/toddlers).
• Vermont Department of CorrectionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDOC staff make referrals to BHA's Offender Re-Entry Housing Program (ORHP) through DOC's Offender Management System (OMS). Referrals must be approved by the district manager of Burlington Probation and Parole before ORHP is notified.
• Howard CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHoward Center provides referrals for BHA properties including 693 Riverside and 711 Riverside. Works with BHA's site-based housing retention specialists and coordinates on crisis intervention through First Call of Chittenden County and Howard's Street Outreach Team.
• Champlain Housing TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChamplain Housing Trust partners with BHA on affordable housing developments. Post Apartments HLP project (176 So. Winooski Ave, 10 units) involves collaboration with CHT. BHA also designates Champlain Housing Trust as its NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center for homeownership education.
• NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center (Champlain Housing Trust)supportiveStrategic or Co-development PartnerBHA designates Champlain Housing Trust as its NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center where Section 8 participants can receive homeownership education classes before transitioning to BHA's homeownership option program.
• Dismas HousesupportiveStrategic or Co-development PartnerBHA has a partnership with Dismas House, a social organization that supports placement in BHA housing for individuals in need.
• Oxford HousesupportiveStrategic or Co-development PartnerBHA has a partnership with Oxford House, a social organization that supports placement in BHA housing for individuals recovering from addiction.
• First Call of Chittenden CountysupportiveStrategic or Co-development PartnerBHA's site-based housing retention specialists work in collaboration with First Call of Chittenden County and Howard's Street Outreach Team to provide varying levels of pre- and acute-crisis intervention when necessary.
• Vermont Language Justice ProjectsupportiveStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered to provide multilingual tenant education videos on basic housekeeping skills and program information available in Arabic, Burmese, French, Kirundi, Maay Maay, Mandarin, Nepali, Pashto, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Ukrainian, Vietnamese, and other languages.
• Housing WorkssupportiveStrategic or Co-development PartnerVermont-based housing organization listed as a resource for participants seeking additional housing information and support services.
• Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA)supportiveStrategic or Co-development PartnerState housing finance agency listed as a resource for participants for housing financing options and programs.
• SASH Partners (Regional Healthcare Providers)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSASH program coordinates with healthcare providers, case management agencies, and other support people to provide comprehensive health and wellness services. Monthly meetings held with all SASH partners to coordinate resident care.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• NeighborWorks America: National affordable housing network of which Champlain Housing Trust (BHA's homeownership partner) is a member. Indirectly comparable as the framework funder and standards body for the homeownership education pathway BHA uses.

Direct peers

• Champlain Housing Trust: Regional affordable housing provider and Champlain Housing Trust is BHA's closest local peer — a Champlain Valley nonprofit that develops and manages affordable rental and shared-equity homeownership units and is explicitly named as BHA's designated NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center and joint development partner on the Post Apartments project.
• Cambridge Housing Authority: Municipal PHA administering Section 8 vouchers, public housing, and supportive housing programs in a comparable New England college-city context. Directly comparable as a city-scale PHA with mixed property ownership and rental assistance administration.
• Vermont State Housing Authority: Statewide Public Housing Authority administering Section 8 vouchers and affordable housing programs across Vermont outside Burlington. Directly comparable as a HUD-funded PHA with overlapping program portfolio and listed by BHA as a resource partner.

Broad incumbents

• Mercy Housing: National nonprofit affordable housing provider owning and operating 50,000+ affordable units. Comparable in operating model (owning subsidized rental housing with wraparound services) but at national scale versus BHA's local jurisdiction.
• Boston Housing Authority: Large municipal PHA operating thousands of public housing units and administering HCV vouchers across Boston. Comparable as a larger HUD-regulated PHA with similar program structure but at meaningfully greater scale than BHA.
• Portland Housing Bureau (Home Forward): Municipal housing authority serving Portland, Oregon that operates public housing, administers HCV vouchers, and runs supportive housing programs. Directly comparable PHA structure with similar mix of property ownership and rental assistance.

Emerging players

• CVOEO (Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity): Community action agency providing housing assistance, homelessness prevention, and family services in Chittenden County. Listed as a core referral partner for BHA's coordinated entry and fair housing programs, operating overlapping services in the same geography.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses3 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/bha_vt
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@burlingtonhousingauthority
• Facebookfacebook.com/burlingtonhousingvt
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/burlington-housing-authority

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Burlington Housing Authority