Residents and advocates urge support for people exiting emergency hotel shelter; manager cites 109 local residents affected
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Summary
Speakers at the meeting warned that state time limits on winter emergency hotel housing will leave dozens in Barre without shelter; the city manager said Department of Children and Families reported 60 households (109 people) in Barre affected, and local groups listed urgent supply needs.
During public comment, advocates and residents told the council that hundreds of people statewide were leaving emergency hotel shelter on July 1 and urged donations and compassion for those exiting the program.
Erica Rale said families and medically vulnerable people will be returning to streets without electricity or power-dependent medical equipment. Ellen K. read a detailed supply list and asked residents to donate tents, tarps, sleeping bags, power packs, first-aid kits and other items to the Good Samaritan Haven.
The city manager told the council the state emergency housing assistance program is limited to 80 days (with winter shelter days exempt) and reported Department of Children and Families data showing roughly 60 households in Barre — 89 adults and 20 children, 109 individuals in total — were impacted by exits from the motel program.
Councilors and staff pointed listeners to Good Samaritan Haven's welcome-center dropoff for donations and noted local organizations and the city will continue outreach and services coordination for those affected.