MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) — New rules for Vermont’s emergency housing program mean people are packing up their stuff and leaving their hotel rooms with no place to go.
Kelly Hall has been living with her husband for about two years in a Barre hotel as part of Vermont’s emergency housing program, but with new eligibility requirements, she says she has to be out by Thursday.
“With no place to go, I’m very upset, depressed, angry. Me and my husband are both recovering drug addicts. They seem like they don’t wanna help us,” said Hall.
Municipal leaders from towns and cities across Vermont met Wednesday in Montpelier as they fear they will bear the burden of the aftermath of the evictions.
Montpelier City Manager Bill Fraser says he has no money to spend, resources are limited, and letting people camp is not a long-term solution.
“We have campsites in the community, we have had them for years. We have basically allowed that to occur. The problem happens when those numbers get too large. Conflicts occur, and trash situations develop. Then we have to manage behaviors,” said Fraser.
Street outreach providers, like Jennifer Armbrister from Good Samaritan Haven, say the most vulnerable will be the main focus for organizations trying to find alternatives.
“So the priority right now are going to be families with children. Then we are going to be going from there with the most vulnerable. Just doing our best to help because, really the congregate shelters are not the answer for people in the motels,” said Armbrister.
In the meantime, many are trying to get a bus ride to friends or family, or are trading their cars for campers.