MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – State lawmakers are planning the next stage of a program keeping a roof over the heads of homeless Vermonters.
The pandemic-era hotel-motel program is the top program to house the homeless but state leaders say it’s not financially sustainable.
A bill introduced this week intends to eliminate unsheltered homelessness and provide a pathway to permanent housing.
The bill bolsters community-based shelters before leaning on hotel rooms.
It also expands who is eligible for help and sets up a task force to create a more streamlined and cost-effective hotel program.
“What we are trying to do in this bill is reflect a more predictable system for individuals and to do that in a way that’s respectful of the varying needs of each person,” said Rep. Theresa Wood, D-Waterbury.
If approved, the bill would go into effect next year.
Meanwhile, state lawmakers are requesting $23 million to continue the hotel program this year.
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