Governor’s new order focuses on housing, food assistance
A view of the mountains around Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
A day after Vermont lifted its pandemic restrictions, the state is looking to transition key housing and food programs into the future as well.
Early last year, the state expanded its general housing assistance program and loosened requirements to provide emergency housing for low-income Vermonters during the pandemic, some of whom would otherwise be at risk of homelessness. This included an expanded motel voucher program. Today, the state is currently housing 2,295 people in 1,631 hotel and motel rooms across the state. As hospitality businesses reopen, capacity is dwindling for that program.
On Tuesday, Gov. Phil Scott signed an executive order meant to sustain housing and food assistance for these families and individuals. Human Services Secretary Mike Smith said the order allows the state to draw on FEMA funding to support non-congregate housing, and the Department of Children and Families (DCF) can continue to provide the maximum benefit under 3SquaresVT, the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in Vermont.
As of June 1, the state has implemented new eligibility rules for the emergency housing program which are stricter than the pre-pandemic requirements. That has meant far less participation in the program over the past couple of weeks. The new rules apply to new applicants now, but these requirements will expand to everyone in the program as of July 1. After that date, the state expects that two-thirds of people currently getting assistance will meet the new criteria and be able to stay in their current housing for an additional 84 days.
“Households with children and people with disabilities may be able to have their emergency housing extended past 84 days, depending on their circumstances,” Smith said at a press conference.
Households ineligible for continued housing as of July 1 may be eligible for an essential payment of $2,500 to help with expenses, Smith added. DCF has other programs which can help, and there is financial assistance of up to $8,000 (for eligible costs) for households transitioning into more permanent housing.
“We are doing everything possible to assist Vermonters and allow a smooth transition into more permanent housing and support services that will meet their long-term needs,” Smith said.
In fiscal-year 2021, the state expects to spend a total of $80 million on housing assistance, which will go down to $38 million in fiscal-year 2022. That’s still far above the pre-pandemic annual expenditure for housing aid of $5 million to $7 million.
Smith applauded the governor and the Legislature for working to include substantial funding in the new state budget for building more housing.
“In the future, the best solution to homelessness is permanent housing,” Smith said.
Smith wrapped up his remarks by recognizing the work done on Vermont’s vaccination program, which helped the state surpass 80% of eligible people vaccinated this week. He said it was impossible to thank everyone who has helped with this effort, but he noted that the level of dedication and sacrifice — many workers and volunteers spending countless hours away from their own families — remains a great inspiration and got Vermont to this point of progress.
“Our state may be small, but we are mighty, and I thank you all,” Smith said.
— Gareth Henderson
