Housing - Policy for the People April 1, 2025

Where to begin.

I would like to actively and irrefutably state that Vermont is involved in a very long, unprecedented, socioeconomically imbalanced housing crisis. From lack of suitable infrastructure, to unbending zoning restrictions (on the local and state levels), to partisan standoffs over basic issues, to the unwillingness to convert suitable structures to housing, to the biases against homeless shelters and warming centers, to one of the highest per capita homeless rates in America: The People are suffering. Wounded. Dying, in fact. (https://montpelierbridge.org/2024/12/unhoused-couple-found-dead-in-tent/)


If you are interested in knowing more about the progression of housing in Vermont over the past seven years, see the timeline below.


How to Help


1) Please. Write. Your. Legislators. 

One of the most promising housing bills at this time:


One of the most hopeful housing bills at this time:


2) Volunteer at a Local Homeless Shelter or Housing Nonprofit

Barre (& Montpelier) - Good Samaritan Haven https://www.goodsamaritanhaven.org/helpful-needs/

Bennington County Coalition for the Homeless  https://www.bcchvt.org/volunteer

Brattleboro - Groundworks Collaborative https://groundworksvt.org/support/volunteer/

Burlington - A New Place https://www.anewplacevt.org/donatinggoods.html

Hartford - Upper Valley Haven https://uppervalleyhaven.org/volunteer/

Lamoille Community House - https://lamoilleshelter.org/get-involved/

Middlebury - Charter House Coalition https://chcvt.org/want-to-get-involved/volunteer/


Housing in Vermont is so much more than a political issue. However, we can ensure that this system protects Vermont’s underrepresented populations by remaining alert and involved.


Housing Crisis Timeline

2018 -https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2018/WorkGroups/House%20Appropriations/Other%20Presentations/Housing%20Supports/W%7EAngus%20Chaney,%20Director%20of%20Housing,%20Agency%20of%20Human%20Services%7EVT%20Plan%20to%20Prevent%20and%20End%20Homelessness%202018-2022%7E4-12-2018.pdf

2019 - https://www.vermontpublic.org/programs/2019-03-08/why-does-vermont-have-such-a-housing-crunch?utm_source=chatgpt.com

2020 - https://vtdigger.org/2020/10/20/funding-cutoff-looms-for-those-living-on-hotel-vouchers-during-covid-19/

2021 - https://vermontdailychronicle.com/spotlight-legislature-grapples-with-housing-costs-regulations/

2022 - https://www.vermontpublic.org/show/vermont-edition/2022-02-09/how-vt-s-housing-crunch-became-a-housing-crisis-and-some-communities-creative-solutions?utm_source=chatgpt.com

2023 - https://vtdigger.org/2023/02/16/a-vermont-perfect-storm-statewide-data-shows-record-spike-in-housing-prices/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

2024 - https://vhfa.org/news/blog/vermont-primary-home-sale-prices-increase-5-during-2023-number-homes-sold-decreases-26?utm_source=chatgpt.com

2025 - https://www.mynbc5.com/article/vermont-evictions-hotel-motel-program/64341172


This is Policy for The People. 

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