Homelessness

As the mornings become frosty and the holidays approach, people begin to think about what makes them thankful. At VHFA, our mission to finance and support affordable housing in Vermont gives us meaning, and we are grateful for the many partners we work with that help make safe and decent housing a reality. In a season of thanksgiving, we extend our appreciation to those who build and those that benefit from the work we do.

Compared to all other states, Vermont had the fourth highest rate of homelessness in 2024, according to HUD’s Annual Homelessness Assessment Report. For every 10,000 Vermonters, 53 experienced homelessness, based on the Point-In-Time count completed across the country in January. Hawaii, New York and Oregon had rates higher than Vermont.

Last week the Vermont Statewide Housing Conference recognized the contributions of Julie Bond and Rick DeAngelis of Good Samaritan Haven by selecting them for this year’s Vermont Housing Hero award. Good Samaritan Haven is a non-profit providing emergency assistance to people experiencing homelessness in Central Vermont.

The rate of homelessness in Vermont was 2^nd highest in the U.S., according to the 2023 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report released by HUD last week.

Faced with housing problems only made worse by recent disastrous floods, Vermonters will have an opportunity to learn more and discuss causes of homelessness with state and national housing experts on Monday, July 24, at noon. The virtual policy forum will feature University of Washington Professor Gregg Colburn, author of the recently published book Homelessness is a Housing Problem. 

The Vermont Coalition to End Homelessness (VCEH), on behalf of the Balance of State Continuum of Care, is seeking public feedback on its application for special funding from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) to address rural homelessness. 

A new report by the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) calls for better alignment between housing and supportive services in Vermont. The report was commissioned by the Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) and the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB).

Vermont's annual Homelessness Awareness Day will take place virtually this year from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Thursday, January 20th.

In the newest installment of VHFA's housing video series, VHFA Executive Director Maura Collins interviews Vermont Housing & Conservation Board Policy Director Jennifer Hollar on how federal American Rescue Plan Act pandemic recovery funding is being used to create new affordable homes for Vermonters. 

Homelessness has been persistent across United States cities and states.