Draft 'Vermont Homelessness Response Continuum' lays out five‑level system; committee debates hotel limits and winter policy

The committee reviewed Draft 3.1 of the "Vermont Homelessness Response Continuum," a bill that would create a five‑level framework for emergency and supportive housing, set eligibility and reporting requirements, and direct the Agency of Human Services (AHS) to administer the program through its Office of Economic Opportunity.

Katie McDonough, office of legislative counsel, told the committee the draft begins with findings that rely on Vermont Homeless Management Information System data showing 4,022 individuals experiencing homelessness in the state (860 of them children) and the 2024 Vermont housing needs assessment estimating 3,295 units are required to address homelessness between 2025 and 2029. She described the bill’s purpose as eliminating unsheltered homelessness and reducing reliance on hotel and motel rooms for emergency housing by creating a continuum that prioritizes prevention and rapid resolution.

The measure organizes responses into five levels: Level 1 (prevention and diversion), Level 2 (shelter services, split into highly structured and low‑barrier), Level 3 (specialized shelter services for…