by Brenda Siegel, et al Our most vulnerable Vermonter residents were given a reprieve from the threat of losing their shelter when the governor extended the GA Motel program for thirty days. However, the federal government has provided funding for this program through December 31st. We need to extend these supports for Vermonters experiencing homelessness through the end of the year to give elected leaders and advocates time to build on the known long-term solutions that will ensure that all of our community members are safely and consistently housed. Taking the pressure valve off of this issue will give us all a chance to move forward together.
“The Governor's temporary extension on housing Vermonters is a stay of execution, and it represents the tireless work of housing leaders and youth advocates. While this is a victory, in 30 days we risk replaying the same upwards battle again. Our unhoused neighbors' lives lay on the line. Extending the motel program is the right thing to do,” said Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale, D-Chittenden County.
We remain concerned that this population is de-prioritized over the tourism industry when in fact we are able to meet the needs of both. We believe that it is best for our communities to find real solutions without destabilizing our community members' health and basic needs. We are also concerned that we are not fully reinstating the GA Motel program and right now there are Vermonters living in tents and losing the stability and access to services that so many gained for the first time.The GA motel program needs to again be expanded to include these Vermonters, as no Vermonter should have to experience homelessness.
“While I am glad to see an extension, it protects only some of our most vulnerable Vermonters. We simply need to do more. We need to take every bit of federal support and invest it in long term solutions while also keeping people safe with short term answers. I find it hard to believe that we will have the long term solutions in 30 days and we have federal funding through the end of the year, we should use it,” said Rep. Tanya Vyhovsky, P/D-Chittenden 8-1.
Hotel program for homeless extended, three COVID deaths, more school testing
The plan to offer $2500 in exchange for shelter is fundamentally flawed. We as a state should not be asking people who have very little resources to make the impossible choice between money and shelter. “To bribe our way out of this necessary safety net is short sighted and leaves us with a long term problem. It is unnecessary and destabilizing and we owe our community members more,” said Brenda Siegel, policy advocate and former candidate for governor.
Those with the most need, can breathe a sigh of relief today. Youth and lived experience experts, along with advocates have spent months fighting just to keep in place basic housing for Vermonters in need. We owe this to those on the ground who are doing the work every day. There is plenty of work ahead. To folks experiencing homelessness, who are living with the constant threat of losing their housing , we want you to know that we will keep working alongside you and do everything in our power to implement viable solutions that center and value your needs. ‘
Brenda Siegel, Policy Advocate & Former Candidate For Governor
Senator Kesha Ram Hinsdale, Chittenden County
Representative Tanya Vyhovsky, Chittenden 8-1
Jubilee McGill, Policy Advocate & Former Candidate For Vermont House