The Vermont Department for Children and Families recently synthesized input from a variety of stakeholders, including VHFA Policy and Planning Manager Maura Collins, as a first step in an effort to re-envision the temporary housing component of the General Assistance / Emergency Assistance Program.
Stakeholders agreed that the rules governing the program need to be reviewed and revised. They also felt strongly that the current administrative structure used for application and eligibility determination is seriously flawed.
Chief among the gaps in the current continuum of supportive services and financial assistance identified by stakeholders is a lack of ongoing, intensive case management and affordable housing.
Check out the full DCF report for more information on other results and recommendations that emerged from these sessions.