On Feb. 2nd, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced grants to address homelessness among people in unsheltered settings and in rural communities. Nationally, nearly $315 million in grants were announced to 46 communities. Vermont received $2,062,533 in funding. View VT specifics here
Together, these federal funds comprise a first-of-its-kind package of resources to help communities provide housing and supportive services to people in unsheltered settings and people experiencing homelessness in rural areas. These funds will support programs at Groundworks Collaborative in Brattleboro and the Vermont State Housing Authority.
From VSHA Homeless Programs & Policy Director, Daniel Blankenship: “The Special CoC NOFO-Rural award expands our ‘A Way Home’ program to fund much-needed housing case management services, as well as security deposits, property damages, and vacancy costs, to serve Vermonters with severe service needs who are experiencing homelessness. Ongoing rental assistance will be provided as part of a partnership with project-based voucher programs with the VSHA and local Public Housing Agencies, including Rutland and Brattleboro.” VSHA AWH-Rural sites service areas and partner agencies include Caledonia & Orleans (NEKCA), Windsor County (Springfield Supportive Housing Program), Windham (Groundworks Collaborative), Lamoille (Lamoille Community House), Addison, Bennington, Washington, and Rutland (Pathways Vermont)
Groundworks‘ funded program, called ReachOutWorks, will serve individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Windham County including those living in individual and group encampments on publicly-accessible land. Through outreach and housing navigation case management, ReachOutWorks will connect this target population with healthcare and housing services.
Thank you to all who helping VCEH and the VT BoS CoC submit a very competitive and compelling application that helped our state receive a significant amount, particularly compared to others considering our small state size.