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

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.