An update on a wind-down
2023-06-08
Dear friend,
How’s your June been going?
I’ve been monitoring the wind-down of the COVID-era "motel voucher" program (see 2,300 Vermonters to become homeless July 1st).
One of the job of a State Representative is to connect residents to State resources. On housing, I speak often with the Agency of Human Services (AHS) and other State agencies to receive updates and get help for constituents.
AHS is staffed with dedicated Vermonters who have been going hard since the start of the pandemic. The agency knew last fall that President Biden would be ending the COVID emergency, though they didn't know when until this winter.
AHS began preparing then to transition this program back to pre-COVID capacity. Since then, and round-the-clock today, teams at AHS are finding housing, transportation, and other assistance for affected individuals.
The following page, which can be found on the Department of Children and Families (DCF) homepage, is the go-to resource for anyone who needs information or help: https://dcf.vermont.gov/Addressing-and-Preventing-Unsheltered-Homelessness.
My hat's off to the staff at AHS for their hard work and dedication. The same goes for all social service agencies in the state and in Windham County who are working hard for all Vermonters. Thank you.
Please contact me with any questions, on this or any other matter.
***
Except for our upcoming “veto session” June 20–22, your Legislature is in adjournment until January 2024.
But don't be kept waiting.
Myself and other Representatives and Senators are available year-round to assist Vermonters in bridging gaps with your State government.
There isn't a solution for every person and every situation. We still have a nationwide shortage of housing, and not enough money or housing in Vermont to meet everyone's needs. During the veto session, and in 2024, the Legislature will have further discussion to understand where the State is falling short and what can be done about it.
But make no mistake -- Vermonters, across all State agencies and bodies, are working hard 365/24/7 to make our small but brave government work for you.
Please be in touch at any time.
warm regards,
–Rep. Tristan Roberts
P.S. One of the things to be done about housing is to reform Act 250 and build more quality workforce housing, and I'm pleased to share that Gov. Scott signed S.100 into law last week -- see Acronym bills come HOME.
Again, the key link for anyone facing housing issues in Vermont today is here: https://dcf.vermont.gov/Addressing-and-Preventing-Unsheltered-Homelessness