Senate Health and Welfare reviews H.938 to create Vermont homelessness response continuum

The Senate Health and Welfare committee spent its April 23 session reviewing H.938, a bill that would create a Vermont homelessness response continuum, set service levels from prevention through permanent supportive housing and assign program administration to the office referenced in the text as OEO. The measure lays out findings (a December 2025 statewide HMIS count of 4,022 people experiencing homelessness, including 863 children) and a purpose: reduce reliance on hotels and motels, establish tailored housing plans and ensure accountability and equitable access to emergency and permanent housing.

Legislative Counsel Katie McDaniel read the bill's definitions and program structure for committee members, noting that the continuum would prioritize early intervention, rapid resolution of housing crises, and individualized case management. McDaniel said the bill requires the office to maintain separate budget line items for prevention, shelter types, specialized services and permanent supportive housing and to maximize federal receipts "as applicable." She also noted an effective date and transitional language so elements can phase in; staff said parts of the program could be ready by July 1, 2026.

Committee debate centered on the bill's definitions and on how services would be offered. Members pressed whether the…