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Providers and young people urge legislature to fill gaps in Vermont youth housing and supports
Summary
Service providers and a young person with lived experience told a House committee that federal funding has not kept pace and that the state must invest to expand host homes, shelter options and transitional housing; providers estimated about $25,000 per youth for 12 months of housing plus wraparound services.
The House committee convened April 22 to mark Youth Homelessness Awareness Day and heard testimony from providers and young people describing gaps in services across the state and urging legislative action.
Representative Kate Logan, who also directs the Vermont Coalition of Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs, told the committee the coalition covers rural regions and that "federal funding has remained level for decades" for services for 12–17 year olds. She estimated that ‘‘on average, our services can be provided to a youth ... for about $25,000 per youth’’ for a year of rent and wraparound supports.
Logan and other witnesses emphasized that youth homelessness in Vermont is often hidden: many young people "couch surf" or rely on motel vouchers. "When young people have access to stable housing paired with…
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