The annual count of people living in Chittenden County who are homeless decreased by 12% from the previous year, according to the Chittenden County Homeless Alliance. This continues a declining trend that has brought the number of people who are homeless in the county down 45% over the past four years. The Chittenden County Homeless Alliance, which VHFA has partnered with since 2003, is a coalition of individuals, organizations, and government who support a vision of a safe, decent, affordable, stable home for every person and family in Chittenden County.
Maura Collins, VHFA’s Director of Policy & Administration, who attended the event where the data was released said, “Prioritizing people who most need assistance first, sharing information and resources, and working together has helped reduce homelessness in our community. That said, the shared goal of ending homelessness will only be achieved when there is adequate funding for affordable housing targeted towards people with very low incomes. The housing bond being discussed by the Vermont State Legislature is exactly the kind of investment that can continue this reduction so we can meet that goal of ending homelessness.”
Mayor Miro Weinberger also touted the bond, urging the legislature to pass the new investment to increase housing opportunities in the region.
Pictured: Miro Weinberger, Mayor of Burlington, Erin Ahearn, Community Health Centers of Burlington and Margaret Bozik, Champlain Housing Trust at the press event releasing the new data.
