Vermont faces housing crisis with 3500 homeless and urgent need for 36000 new homes

The Vermont Senate Economic Development Committee convened on January 24, 2025, to address the pressing issue of homelessness and housing shortages in the state. The meeting highlighted the significant gap between the number of individuals in need of housing and the available shelter resources, revealing a critical situation that demands immediate attention.

Currently, Vermont has a shelter capacity of only 585 beds, while approximately 35,100 individuals are identified as needing housing assistance. The General Assistance emergency housing program is currently utilizing over 1,400 rooms, providing shelter to around 1,756 adults and 414 children, totaling just over 1,900 people. This stark contrast underscores the urgent need for more housing solutions.

The committee discussed findings from a recent housing needs assessment, which indicates that Vermont requires between 24,000 to 36,000 additional homes by 2029 to meet demand. Specifically, 3,295 homes are needed to address homelessness, and an additional 3,957 homes are necessary to normalize vacancy rates. The rising cost of housing, driven by a growing wage gap, has exacerbated the homelessness crisis, with many individuals unable to afford available housing options.

Committee members expressed concern over the increasing number of people becoming homeless, particularly as the state experiences a rise in housing costs and a decrease in available rental units. The discussion also touched on the impact of COVID-19, which has led to a better understanding of the homelessness crisis as more individuals entered the system during the pandemic.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the need for comprehensive strategies to increase housing production and address the underlying issues contributing to homelessness. The committee emphasized the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders to develop effective solutions that ensure housing stability for all Vermonters. As the state grapples with these challenges, the urgency for action remains clear.