As Vermont winds down its pandemic-era motel voucher program, hundreds of vulnerable individuals experiencing homelessness are facing uncertainty this fall. The state-funded motel rooms that have been their temporary homes are no longer available, prompting concerns from municipal leaders and advocates.
Approximately 230 households, including families, individuals with disabilities, older adults, pregnant women, and survivors of domestic violence or natural disasters, are expected to leave the motel rooms due to a new 80-day limit stay imposed by the Legislature. Some households have already been denied rooms as the state reaches its new 1,110-room cap for housing vulnerable populations.
In central Vermont, around 100 to 140 families will be leaving motels this fall, adding to the statewide estimate of about 1,000 households transitioning out of temporary housing. However, shelters in the area are at full capacity, exacerbating the housing crisis in a state that had the second-highest per capita rate of homelessness in the country in 2023.
Advocates are struggling to find housing solutions for those affected, with limited options available. The impending winter season adds further urgency to the situation, as many individuals do not have alternative housing arrangements. The uncertainty is particularly challenging for individuals with specific needs, such as disabilities or health conditions.
Local leaders have called on the state government to address the rising homelessness rates and provide more support for municipalities and service providers. While efforts have been made to establish additional shelters, the long-term solution lies in creating more affordable housing options to meet the growing demand.
A recent state housing report highlighted the shortage of rental apartments in Vermont, which has contributed to a significant increase in homelessness. To address the housing crisis and provide stable housing for all residents, Vermont will need to create thousands of new homes in the coming years.
The current situation underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts between government agencies, local communities, and advocacy groups to ensure that every individual in Vermont has access to safe and stable housing.
