Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook. BENNINGTON â Four projects in Bennington County will receive a total of $600,000 in federal funding through the state Department of Housing and Community Development, part of the $2.9 million in grants announced last week by Gov. Phil Scott and the Department of Housing and Community Development. The largest of the four grants â $500,000 in Community Development Block Grant money â has been awarded to Shires Housing to set up new shelter for families in transition. After purchasing a historic house in Bennington, Shires intends to renovate the residenceâs seven units and construct two new units for clients of the Bennington County Coalition for the Homeless.