Looking for help to get or keep housing? Contact the Lead Agency in your area! Need a safe place to stay tonight? Call 211 or Contact your local shelter!

Vermont Coalition to End Homelessness

The Vermont Coalition to End Homelessness seeks to ensure that people living in Vermont have a safe, stable, affordable home, and — if homelessness does occur — it is brief, rare, and non-recurring and those experiencing homelessness are treated with dignity and respect.

January 11th 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm Virtual Training and Discussion about Vermont’s Legislative Process

VCEH & VIA hosted a virtual training and discussion about Vermont’s legislative process lead by Kara Casey from the Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and Melissa Battah from Vermont Interfaith Action. The session addressed how to effectively engage with lawmakers on the issues you care about.

8 am – 2 pm Display in the Statehouse Cardroom, Montpelier

VCEH, VAHC, VIA, and CCHA were stationed in the card room at the statehouse in Montpelier. There was a display of what several Vermont shelters refer to as a “Last Resort Survival Kit” – items that are given out to persons seeking shelter to help them stay warm and survive the night when there are no longer shelter beds available.

We also shared a large state map of Vermont with regional data on the state of homelessness in Vermont over the past year and the capacity each region has to serve people seeking emergency shelter.

Representatives from the sponsoring organizations were available to speak with legislatures and other interested parties.

Paintings from the “Paint and Fruit Punch” event at The Veteran’s Inc GPD Program on Friday, January 13th led by WRJ VA Healthcare System’s Art Therapist, Brooke Robinson-Drew were on display as well. The Veterans painted on canvas using free expression to depict what homelessness/homes, barriers, challenges, strengths, etc. look like to them.

Advocates and persons working in homelessness and housing issues around the state are encouraged to schedule meetings with their lawmakers. Please visit this page for contact information.

9:15 – 10:30am House Committee testimony in Room 31

Watch via VT House Committee on Housing, General & Military Affairs’ YouTube Channel

We provided joint testimony to the following committees:

  • House General, Housing and Military Affairs Committee 
  • House Human Services Committee             

There was testimony from a number of advocates, service providers, and people with lived experience. Please plan to be there to support our witnesses and hear their testimony.

10:30am – 12pm Senate Committee testimony in Room 27

Watch via VT Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs’ YouTube Channel

We provided testimony to the following committees:

  • Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs     

There was testimony from a number of advocates, service providers, and people with lived experience. Please plan to be there to support our witnesses and hear their testimony.

4pm End of the Day Zoom Gathering & Memorial

Watch on VAHC’s Youtube Channel  

Community members, elected officials, and advocates joined a virtual Zoom room for an end-of-the-day gathering. This gathering featured remarks from Dr. Harry Chen, Interim Director of the Vermont Department for Children and Families, a memorial vigil with Rev. Earl Kooperkamp from Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Barre to remember our friends and neighbors who have died without homes and to bring awareness of the struggles of those still searching for safe, affordable and secure housing; and provided an opportunity for providers from around the state to share their events of the day.

Please reach out to Molly Shimko at mshimko@helpingtohousevt.org or mhahn@helpingtohousevt.org with any questions! Thank you for sharing this day with us!