Vermont establishes Homeless Assistance program led by community action agencies

Vermont's House Human Services Committee convened on March 18, 2025, to discuss critical updates to the state's homelessness assistance programs, particularly the Vermont Homeless Emergency Assistance and Responsive Transition to Housing (vHEARTH). The committee emphasized the importance of collaboration among community action agencies and local partners to enhance service delivery for those experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their homes.

A significant focus of the meeting was the operational structure of vHEARTH, which will be managed by community action agencies. These agencies are tasked with providing essential services, including emergency shelters and transitional housing, while ensuring that they do not duplicate efforts already in place by other community partners. The committee highlighted the need for a coordinated entry system to streamline access to these services.

Concerns were raised regarding the responsibilities placed on community action agencies, with some members questioning whether this structure might limit the involvement of other organizations. The discussion included a proposal to separate the domestic violence shelter program from the broader vHEARTH initiative, allowing it to be operated by a dedicated statewide domestic violence organization rather than community action agencies. This change aims to clarify operational responsibilities and ensure compliance with federal laws.

The committee is working towards finalizing the language of the legislation to reflect these changes, with an emphasis on creating a comprehensive and effective framework for addressing homelessness in Vermont. As the meeting concluded, members acknowledged the importance of these discussions in shaping the future of homelessness services in the state, with a commitment to refining the proposed legislation to better serve vulnerable populations.