Vermont Network Statement
the Rising Homelessness Crisis in Vermont
The Vermont Network believes that housing is a human right. We are deeply concerned by the lack of a clear and humane solution to Vermont’s increasing homelessness crisis. Communities across Vermont are confronting a slow rolling and escalating crisis as more vulnerable individuals and families – including survivors – are exited from motels due to arbitrary caps on the number of rooms and days allowed.
As of August 12th, there were over 1,400 Vermont households accessing shelter in motels through Vermont’s General Assistance program. Of those households 58 self-identified as fleeing violence, and 277 were families with children. Homelessness is often caused by violence and also increases an individual’s vulnerability to future violence.
Survivors fleeing violence are seeking safety and stability for themselves and their children. Domestic and sexual violence shelters and transitional housing programs across the state are at capacity and cannot absorb the dozens of survivors and families who are being exited from motels. Ongoing and shifting eligibility and changes to Vermont’s General Assistance program have exacerbated the uncertainty survivors fleeing violence face. Survivors are forced to make choices between returning to an unsafe home or facing unsheltered homelessness.
Tents and sleeping bags are not a solution to domestic and sexual violence. Our member organizations, homeless service providers, and municipalities are providing the most vulnerable Vermonters with support. The Vermont Network calls on the state to step in and provide them with the resources they need.
We will continue to advocate for humane, permanent and trauma-informed solutions to homelessness for survivors and their families.