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Providers warn H.594 could worsen homelessness without more shelter capacity and services
Summary
Statewide shelter and homeless‑service providers told the House committee that H.594 should not shrink motel or GA emergency capacity until non‑congregate units, staffed supportive housing and care coordinators are in place. Witnesses urged phased transitions, multiyear operating funds and better links to behavioral‑health services.
Providers from across Vermont urged the House Committee on Human Services to amend H.594 so reductions in General Assistance motel placements occur only after replacement shelter capacity and onsite supportive services are available.
In testimony, Chad Simmons, executive director of the Housing and Homelessness Alliance of Vermont, said HHAV "does not align" with the bill as drafted and recommended centering accountability around adequate shelter and person‑centered funding rather than punitive sanctions.
The sharpest warnings came from front‑line shelter operators. Jonathan Ferrell, executive director of the Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS) in Burlington, told the committee that shelters must be trusted to require guest engagement "to the best of their ability" while remaining…
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