Committee refines Vermont Homeless Response Continuum bill; debates definitions, data sources and standards

The committee began detailed, line-by-line consideration of H.766 — described in the meeting as the Vermont Homeless Response Continuum — with the stated aim of codifying a statewide continuum of services from prevention and diversion through permanent supportive housing.

Chair (unnamed) said the draft trims the number of findings and narrows the purpose section to focus on how the state will implement services, not only on end-state goals. The bill would create a new chapter in Title 33 and establish definitions for alternative housing options, coordinated entry, case management and other program elements. “This is codifying in statute because right now, we don't have anything in statute,” the chair said, noting that statute is harder to change than practice and that the bill seeks consistency across municipalities and providers.

Committee members pressed staff for precise data to support findings. Legislative counsel cited the 2024 Vermont Housing Needs Assessment, saying it identifies about 36,000 primary homes needed statewide between 2025 and…