WILLISTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Four homeless families with children moved into a new state-run emergency shelter that opened Friday in Williston, one of what officials hope will be four shelters across the state. It comes as the state continues to try to wind down government-funded hotel rooms.
It was move-in day for several families experiencing homelessness.
The temporary shelter at the former Williston Vermont State Police barracks has been converted into a shared living space, with seven offices converted into bedrooms. The space also comes with a kitchen, bathrooms, laundry, and a common room. Food and toys were donated by the community.
“We have an infant section back there as well as a section for the younger children to play together with games and toys,” explained Kristin McClure with the Agency of Human Services.
New rules agreed upon by the governor and Democratic lawmakers earlier this year put a cap on how many nights people could stay in government-funded hotel rooms, leading to hundreds having to find other options. The state knows of families with 21 children living in tents or cars. The shelters in Williston and Waterbury will be staffed by state employees. Planning continues for two more shelters in Montpelier and Rutland but they are still looking for a provider.
“It was a wonderful effort across multiple agencies as well as community partners,” McClure said. She says AHS is still assessing the total cost but acknowledges the shelters cost more per night than the hotel rooms because they will include on-site services including health care, housing, and employment. “We’re connecting them to the necessary services they need to progress to the next phase of permanent supportive living.”
Homeless shelter providers say they are encouraged the state is helping the most vulnerable but they say the shelters still fall short of the total need. “It would be wonderful if there were more ability to keep folks in the motels until we get more formal alternative shelter options,” said Julie Bond with the Good Samaritan Haven in Barre. She says there are 338 Vermonters — including 49 kids — living in cars, tents, or couch surfing in Washington County alone. “That doesn’t count folks who are in formal shelters, ours included.”
The state plans on operating the shelters through the winter. They add the aim is to get the families into permanent shelters this year.