538 Vermont Children Unhoused as They Go Back to School

As students across our state go back to school this week, Vermont children and babies are returning to homelessness as they exit the motels where they currently live.

We call on the State of Vermont to continue to house Vermonters in need until appropriate solutions can be identified and implemented. Shelter is a basic human need and no one in our state should live without it. 538 Vermont children (56 children in Washington County)** are currently accessing the State’s Emergency Housing Program and are expected to abruptly exit the motels, where many currently live, the week of September 15th. The purpose is to conserve state motel stipends for use during the cold winter months. This policy change is the result of state legislation passed in the most recent legislative session.*

These children will be living outside, in cars, or in other compromised situations without access to sanitary conditions and clean water. We are gravely concerned about the traumatic impact on these children and the threat to their health and safety.

“Homelessness is a traumatic environment for children despite their caregivers’ best efforts. Children who experience homelessness are far more likely to have trouble in school, to miss or change schools frequently, and are statistically more likely to have health issues. Mitigating these effects, in whatever way possible, is imperative as we prepare our youth to lead us into the future,” says Kathi Partlow, Housing & Community Development Manager, Family Center of Washington County.

According to the State, 1,419 households (1,702 adults and 536 children) are living in motels because they meet the required vulnerability criteria for eligibility. This includes families, babies, older children, people with disabilities, older people, people fleeing domestic violence, and victims of natural disasters. The tight housing market, exacerbated by recent flooding, makes it difficult for our unhoused neighbors and friends to find safe and sustainable housing; the motel program provides an essential option for the most vulnerable. Under this new law, individuals who meet specific vulnerability criteria, may qualify for a maximum of 80 nights per year. The legislation also stipulates a cap on the total number of rooms the program can use.

We are reaching out to all Vermonters to inform you about this humanitarian crisis happening right here in our state and to ask you to advocate for our vulnerable neighbors with understanding and kindness.

Actions you can take:

• Get curious. Learn more about the housing crisis in Vermont and how you can offer support. Visit https://helpingtohousevt.org/

• Contact your legislator, or the Governor, and ask them to continue to house Vermonters in need until appropriate solutions can be identified and implemented. https://legislature.vermont.gov/people/

• Achievable solutions for Vermont’s housing crisis: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2024/WorkGroups/House%20General/Housing/W~Dan%20Towle~Achievable%20Solutions%20for%20Vermont%E2%80%99s%20Housing%20Crises%20-%20Parker%20Advisors~2-1-2023.pdf

Sincerely,

The Family Center of Washington County

Capstone Community Action

Good Samaritan Haven

Green Mountain United Way

Downstreet Housing & Community Development

Pathways Vermont

Washington County Mental Health Services

People’s Health & Wellness Clinic

Elevate Youth Services

Another Way

Barre City Council

Representative John Williams, Barre City

Barre Community Justice Center

Recovery Vermont/The Vermont Association of Mental Health and Addiction Recovery

Jack McCullough, Mayor, City of Montpelier

Rev. Earl Kooperkamp, Pastor, Church of the Good Shepherd, Barre

Montpelier Interfaith Community Meals

Vermont Interfaith Action

Christ Episcopal Church, Montpelier

First Presbyterian Church of Barre

Merideth Warner & Zachary Hughes, Co-Chairs, Montpelier Homelessness Task Force

Unitarian Church of Montpelier

United Ways of Vermont (Vermont 211)

Grace United Methodist Church, Plainfield

Northfield United Methodist Parish, Northfield

Trinity United Methodist Church, Montpellier

Reverend Kenneth Langer, Barre UU Church

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

*Legislation mentioned in press release/letter is Act 81 (2023) Emergency Housing Transition

H.171.

**Per State data as of July 22, 2024.

https://outside.vermont.gov/dept/DCF/Shared%20Documents/ESD/GA/Community-Meeting-

8.1.2024.pdf