BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – With temperatures plummeting over the next few days, a vigil was set for Thursday evening in Burlington’s City Hall Park to focus attention on Vermont’s homeless population, including those who are unsheltered, living in tents.
It comes as lawmakers once again debate how to address the state’s homeless problem, including a new proposal from Burlington’s mayor. Mayor Miro Weinberger says his plan will shelter everyone in need and for less money than a plan from the Scott administration. Rather than end the state hotel-motel program in April and move about 650 people into congregate shelters, Weinberger proposes extending the hotel program until July to give more time and money to move those people to permanent housing.
Organizers of Thursday’s vigil support that plan. They are lighting one candle for each of the 900 people in Chittenden County who they say do not have permanent housing.
“It’s just important to raise awareness for our unhoused folks, especially knowing that over 200 are living in a space not meant for human habitation,” said Taylor Thibault of the Chittenden County Homeless Alliance.
That 200 means people who are still outside on cold nights.
The vigil for homeless awareness comes on the same day people were kicked out of a homeless encampment on Battery Street earlier Thursday. I’m told they were given notice to leave last week. When we were there earlier Thursday, people were packing up and leaving. One person I talked with said he didn’t know what was next and he planned to stay until the last second.
When I asked people how they stay warm, they said lots of sleeping bags.
“Not really that bad. I got a heater and stuff, propane tank, so I stay warm. I’m used to building houses, I work outside all the time,” said Bernard Wells, who is homeless in Burlington.
“I think we need to accept that this doesn’t have to be the reality. I think what’s needed more now than ever is collective empathy from our community and some real intentional planning,” said Sarah Russell, the special assistant to end homelessness in Burlington.
The vigil has several speakers scheduled for Thursday evening.
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