[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6281071,"mediaKeyId","2608333-d4cdcbfc9e0f5d523f3e1a90a7c591b3","parentId",2608333,"title","Committee debates hotel/motel use: preference for contracted blocks and shelter standards over scattered-room placements","audioSeconds",269,"startMs",1660520,"endMs",1929870,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2608333-d4cdcbfc9e0f5d523f3e1a90a7c591b3&start=1660&end=1929","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2608333-d4cdcbfc9e0f5d523f3e1a90a7c591b3/thumbnail_1660520.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6281071/Vermont/Committee-debates-hotelmotel-use-preference-for-contracted-blocks-and-shelter-standards-over-scattered-room-placements","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6281071-2aaa2c99baf445b676480f9877262daa/orig.mp4?Expires=1773751885&Signature=KS18JzL-XC0DHiOCe3PHxITwQvQJfDTQGsLkoi5r84XUClwEU4phPqgMh2lwDO9xiOTfL~0KQHSI5b3jZlmvGCB4UTUMseKMnygfdmaZxmt3VIM5QWdQALlzLZnDthwX3TGewvP-HBy0YQNEBgI0guqcZ2tDefsbM8fEKHh8LZxI20QxXDL6COXNaPohyMqIb7cdbtyDIS3rSx-lP8RP~3CozG-ThCpgrBxk5z2aIXDIeAObiqXbbG8gBeXq-udqEFQFd1PrLg-c~HqIbTpd4tUi3u9427COPJ7jBRQapJwMqbGJuQbdG5z517n6GDRDOAPu9YMLEagN0aIlbOVivw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-03-13T18:35:07Z","article","Committee members weighed different models for using hotels and motels as temporary shelter. Several participants said evidence suggests better outcomes where service providers contract for a block or wing of rooms and operate them like a shelter (negotiated conditions, provider access, inspections), rather than relying on scattered, individually placed hotel rooms.

Speakers recommended prioritizing contracts for blocks of rooms that allow case management, on-site services, and regular inspections as if the space were a shelter. Participants recognized that scattered-room placements sometimes remain necessary for exigent or individual circumstances and noted there are successful local models where hotels host service providers and on-site supports.

Members discussed feasibility: one participant questioned whether state licensing or the Department of Health could perform site inspections every 30 days, noting that the Department of Health may lack staff capacity for that frequency. Others suggested shelter-like inspections and conditions be negotiated into hotel contracts so providers could verify conditions without imposing unrealistic state inspection burdens.

Why it matters: whether hotel-motel use is structured by contractual blocks or by scattered individual placements affects provider access, inspection and safety practices, and case managers' ability to deliver services and verify living conditions.

Outstanding drafting questions

- Whether the draft should require (\"shall\") or encourage (\"should\"/\"shall be encouraged\") block contracts; participants favored language that prioritizes contract-block models but left room for exigent single-room placements.
- How to reference inspection frequency and responsible agency; Department of Health capacity constraints were noted.
- How to reflect existing successful models in statute or guidance rather than create rules that conflict with effective local practice.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Human Services 2025-03-13 - 2:35 PM","oneSentenceSummary","Members discussed when and how hotels or motels may be used for temporary shelter. Several participants urged a preference for contracted blocks or floors that allow service providers on-site and permit inspection and consistent standards, while recognizing scattered single-room use persists in some locations.","taxTitle","Human Services, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative , Vermont","taxId",35147,"location","Vermont","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6281074,"Drafters say $10 million proposed as one-time transition support tied to FY25 shelter funding",181,4111840,4293290,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2608333-d4cdcbfc9e0f5d523f3e1a90a7c591b3&start=4111&end=4293","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2608333-d4cdcbfc9e0f5d523f3e1a90a7c591b3/thumbnail_4111840.jpg","/articles/6281074/Vermont/Drafters-say-10-million-proposed-as-one-time-transition-support-tied-to-FY25-shelter-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6281074-e4f2f1411af8ca35edf77d1b337380d0/orig.mp4?Expires=1773751885&Signature=DvaUuRoU0OhgiPz19xyZ0uZ9VB2kxnuk35~4Kw~AMfv4lj3p1poTHuLh8x11VDbAh09qEQN738iPsE6TWF05n5s~8r0ESCpy1at-pX7Ht7qMQIjMzLNWnlC8aSdAJXTdgwja--KOG5h0zO5NpXwM4o0xeUF3bIce6UwRHlaOL3rk-37duv9mKp9smklF~Y4gIUgLqwUa3MhkBiEApIlj~USUAcQ5awX-AsWTr7lVW3kv8qG4lXU-Llk1XCE6FQUOIyMpDhk7vfRHdEdQkMxT6sYn6YgOZ3XHQiGLTauMSfu3ehCgDnyjrMUlMea2XXYqgmLsk6As29Uq83pDG07ayA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Drafters and committee members discussed how to treat one-time funding referenced in the draft and how those dollars relate to FY25 appropriations. The meeting clarified that the $10,000,000 figure in the draft matches one-time shelter-support funds included in FY25 and that the drafters intend those dollars to support a multi-part transition process.

According to the discussion, the $10 million in the draft is meant to fund activities tied to the program transformation — including planning, capacity-building for regional resource organizations, and certain housing-specific needs — rather than to create a new ongoing shelter appropriation. Participants emphasized they could express legislative intent to use FY25 one-time appropriations for this transition even though future legislatures would ultimately set budgets.

Committee members noted roughly half of the proposed $10 million would still be directed toward housing-specific needs rather than administrative transition costs. The group asked drafters to be explicit about what funds are intended to cover and where master grant mechanics (single award to a network that then subawards regionally) might apply.

Why it matters: how the bill treats these FY25 one-time funds determines immediate funding available for the transition, the support communities receive for implementation, and whether current emergency housing programs are folded into the new program structure.

Outstanding drafting questions

- Whether the $10 million replaces or supplants other FY25 shelter funding elements and how the language should indicate that transition support is intended in lieu of future one-time awards.
- Precise breakdowns of the $10 million and whether some subcomponents are earmarked for housing versus planning/implementation assistance.
- How master grant mechanics will be treated (individual awards to each community action agency vs. single award to a network that distributes funds internally).","Committee members discussed a $10 million one-time appropriation to support the transition to the BHARF model, noting the amount mirrors FY25 shelter-support funding and that the draft signals an intent to use those FY25 one-time funds for transition and housing needs during rollout.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6281078,"Draft panel proposes time-limited advisory committee with strong representation of people with lived experience",1485,2193550,3679370,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2608333-d4cdcbfc9e0f5d523f3e1a90a7c591b3&start=2193&end=3679","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2608333-d4cdcbfc9e0f5d523f3e1a90a7c591b3/thumbnail_2193550.jpg","/articles/6281078/Vermont/Draft-panel-proposes-time-limited-advisory-committee-with-strong-representation-of-people-with-lived-experience","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6281078-a6459ee6f784d3a6281871af5f080a86/orig.mp4?Expires=1773751885&Signature=kbUdILdlRPeglKLLP3QI34J2vxIVfo3~-Urur4-rsQ-uzXSpHRSBPawtGkOntrXXQ43vLBu41lAq006ahy8fBN-L2dZOoY-7Owc3ZK1gLNVjytzJfnG5SITozQ6HqtXQGKXD-ubB47lDMygXHQm8YGXf3VBdfH-nlbAFYGBqf6uxRmWUHinQIpC0Hb~DD1HOlUCbNR78NSclSiJBIsM~yS32D1mW5YWFtdIr-h~4X0apWduyVxG4r3B-a9iJBswCQEQFJdNn3Lw6TcMgzARiL3tWmFx6AnOFIWWvTKbK7PWZcKla7Sc-Y-z37dkmro1dpyrIel5yt2g5Q~yuETZt8w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The drafting session devoted extended discussion to the proposed implementation advisory committee that would advise the Agency of Human Services and community action agencies on design and transition to the BHARF model. Committee members urged a committee structure that centers people with lived experience and recommended regional subcommittees to handle local planning.

Membership and leadership

Participants generally supported a time-limited statewide advisory committee with a strong contingent of people who have lived experience of homelessness. Drafters proposed five seats for people with lived experience; attendees discussed how those participants should be appointed (for example, by Continuums of Care or coordinated entry bodies) and whether the number should be larger to ensure meaningful participation.

Several members proposed regional implementation subcommittees to produce granular plans that reflect varying needs across the state — for example, Chittenden County needs differ from Rutland. Suggestions included allowing existing advisory groups to qualify if they meet representational criteria.

Chairing, quorum and decision roles

Members discussed appointing a co-chair or vice chair from a community action agency while keeping a state official as a nonvoting or ex officio chair — a model used for other state advisory bodies. The committee debated who the advisory group would formally advise (the department vs. the community action agencies) and settled on the advisory committee advising the Agency of Human Services on statewide design and on regional groups for local implementation advice.

Compensation and meeting cadence

The draft limited compensation to $50 per meeting and capped meetings (the draft referenced 12 meetings annually). Several speakers raised concerns that $50 for long meetings can amount to less than minimum wage for lived-experience members attending multi-hour or all-day sessions; participants proposed adding a statutory approval pathway to request additional meetings/compensation when needed.

Why it matters: membership, compensation, and advisory scope will influence whether the committee effectively informs design and implementation of homeless services and whether people with lived experience can participate fully and equitably.

Outstanding items and next steps

- Appointment mechanics for lived-experience seats (which bodies nominate or appoint) need clarity; drafters suggested coordinated entry agencies or Continuums of Care as likely nominators.
- The committee should set reporting expectations and a timeline for deliverables; drafters discussed sunset language and implementation milestones.
- Participants asked drafters to add a clear process for approving more meetings or higher compensation if needed.","Committee members debated the scope, membership, and compensation for a time-limited statewide advisory committee to guide design and implementation; members favored significant representation of people with lived experience, regional subcommittees, and clearer rules on chairing, quorum, and meeting compensation.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6281084,"Draft bill would make Agency of Human Services responsible for designations, oversight of regional resource organizations",692,33990,726290,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2608333-d4cdcbfc9e0f5d523f3e1a90a7c591b3&start=33&end=726","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2608333-d4cdcbfc9e0f5d523f3e1a90a7c591b3/thumbnail_33990.jpg","/articles/6281084/Vermont/Draft-bill-would-make-Agency-of-Human-Services-responsible-for-designations-oversight-of-regional-resource-organizations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6281084-672dab19bf689963a1b441a9e144657a/orig.mp4?Expires=1773751885&Signature=no9bLbjBzA2LX6kgnsEWn0b8IwxQT5qaHHeZz3qYB2b5qEh~J64zi6LJhIRftQdK09a0FlIZYEuHMoSnRP8G2kyRMB49ewrTvgkhvKSiN3RkKK6iq~n3-HnFAHvBJs~NbMx1cNaa41tcDsfV2HtaS~QYoROJuXPfPh3F6p~JpG1GO-LJZF19W9r9cY89fdoOdk5lqkr06Br~RUq05r2UHQxVjsdMDLfuYQBP~JkObQYRV63tQt0I7w8rsYa7j1em6U5dCGBeiomi8vzOP5sF7FkUDKvLaK7d623Vo3Tj1wUwUY4ep0xfRcDDlirGt2gZcQxYDUn-rhRROdcSjkzKHA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Drafting committee members spent substantial time refining text that would assign the Agency of Human Services a formal role in designating and overseeing regional resource organizations (described in the draft as community action agencies or regional resource organizations) that will carry out homelessness-related duties under the proposed BHARF program.

The committee debated whether the bill should use the word \"designate,\" \"authorize,\" or another term; members agreed the Department (or OEO in some cross-references) should retain responsibility for quality monitoring and oversight rather than creating separate parallel requirements for each agency. Participants emphasized that any redesignation process must check compliance with the chapter and existing requirements in 3 VSA, chapter 59 rather than replicate unrelated duties.

Members discussed a set of minimum capacities the Department should confirm before designating an agency, including reporting infrastructure, connections with local providers, and the ability to manage subgrants and staffing. Several members said the draft should allow for agencies that are still building capacity; language suggesting that agencies could be \"existing or planned\" was proposed so a designation could acknowledge phased build-out rather than bar participation.

The committee also agreed to keep oversight and the redesignation review separate from the list of baseline capacities: the baseline is what an agency needs on paper to be eligible, while the redesignation review is a distinct quality and performance check that determines whether an agency is actually fulfilling its duties in practice.

Why it matters: the Department-level duties and the criteria for designation will determine which local organizations lead shelter and homelessness services under the proposed statewide model, affect timing for rollout, and set minimum expectations for service quality and data/reporting across regions.

Key context and outstanding items discussed

- Cross-references: drafters inserted a cross-reference to 3 VSA, chapter 59 and signaled the redesignation review should align with that statutory process.
- Organizational names: committee members debated changing references from OEO to \"Department\" but reverted some language to OEO to avoid implying an organizational restructuring that the committee did not intend to mandate.
- Timing and capacity: members noted designation could occur before an agency has fully built out capacity, but the draft should allow the department to require a plan to achieve required capacities before operations begin in earnest.
- Accountability: the group agreed the draft needs a distinct section describing the department's duties for quality monitoring and a separate redesignation process; that accountability language will be developed further.

Speakers quoted or cited in the discussion included the drafter identified as Katie (staff), Amy Schoelberger, and multiple committee members who spoke by first name (Eric, Doug, Brenda, Dan, Irene Berkowitz, Brandon). Several participants asked for clearer drafting to avoid duplicative duties or unintended organizational implications.","Committee members reviewed language that would require the Agency of Human Services (and the Office of Economic Opportunity where specified) to conduct designation and redesignation reviews, set minimum capacities for regional resource organizations/community action agencies, and carry out quality oversight tied to Title 3 VSA, chapter 59.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee debates hotel/motel use: preference for contracted blocks and shelter standards over scattered-room placements

Drafters say $10 million proposed as one-time transition support tied to FY25 shelter funding

Draft panel proposes time-limited advisory committee with strong representation of people with lived experience

Draft bill would make Agency of Human Services responsible for designations, oversight of regional resource organizations