Burlington opens extreme cold weather shelter amid rising homelessness crisis
February 22, 2025 | Human Services, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative , Vermont
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The House Human Services Committee convened on February 21, 2025, to address pressing issues surrounding homelessness in Vermont, particularly in Burlington. The meeting highlighted the alarming rise in unsheltered homelessness, with local data indicating that approximately 257 individuals are currently sleeping outside in Chittenden County, a significant increase from 80 last year and 40 to 60 two years prior.
Sarah, a city representative, emphasized the urgent need for additional thought regarding the emergency shelter program. She noted that the city has responded to the crisis by opening an extreme cold weather shelter, lowering the eligibility threshold from minus 20 degrees to minus 10 degrees. This shelter has operated for eight nights this winter, providing over 550 bed nights with an average nightly occupancy of 70 individuals. Sarah described the severe medical, mental health, and substance use challenges faced by those sleeping outside, stating that the acuity of need is "jaw dropping."
The committee was informed that 88 households, including at least 12 families with children, will be exited from motels on April 1 if the Burlington Area Action Plan (BAA) does not pass. Sarah expressed concern over the lack of safe options for families, particularly as temporary campsites previously established for families will not be available in early spring.
In addition to overnight shelters, Sarah highlighted the critical need for daytime spaces where individuals can access resources and services. She pointed out that funding for the Community Resource Center (CRC) in Burlington has been cut from the proposed FY 26 budget. The CRC serves as the largest daytime shelter, accommodating up to 200 people daily, and has expanded its hours to include weekends this winter.
The discussion also touched on the pressures faced by municipalities like Burlington, which have had to mobilize quickly to provide shelter in response to extreme weather conditions. Sarah explained that the city's efforts have required significant collaboration across multiple departments, including fire, EMS, parks and recreation, and police, all of which have been stretched thin.
The meeting concluded with a call for the committee to consider the broader implications of homelessness on households and the strain on social service organizations, which are already operating at capacity. Sarah urged the committee to recognize the increasing need for adequate shelter resources and the challenges municipalities face in addressing this growing crisis.
Sarah, a city representative, emphasized the urgent need for additional thought regarding the emergency shelter program. She noted that the city has responded to the crisis by opening an extreme cold weather shelter, lowering the eligibility threshold from minus 20 degrees to minus 10 degrees. This shelter has operated for eight nights this winter, providing over 550 bed nights with an average nightly occupancy of 70 individuals. Sarah described the severe medical, mental health, and substance use challenges faced by those sleeping outside, stating that the acuity of need is "jaw dropping."
The committee was informed that 88 households, including at least 12 families with children, will be exited from motels on April 1 if the Burlington Area Action Plan (BAA) does not pass. Sarah expressed concern over the lack of safe options for families, particularly as temporary campsites previously established for families will not be available in early spring.
In addition to overnight shelters, Sarah highlighted the critical need for daytime spaces where individuals can access resources and services. She pointed out that funding for the Community Resource Center (CRC) in Burlington has been cut from the proposed FY 26 budget. The CRC serves as the largest daytime shelter, accommodating up to 200 people daily, and has expanded its hours to include weekends this winter.
The discussion also touched on the pressures faced by municipalities like Burlington, which have had to mobilize quickly to provide shelter in response to extreme weather conditions. Sarah explained that the city's efforts have required significant collaboration across multiple departments, including fire, EMS, parks and recreation, and police, all of which have been stretched thin.
The meeting concluded with a call for the committee to consider the broader implications of homelessness on households and the strain on social service organizations, which are already operating at capacity. Sarah urged the committee to recognize the increasing need for adequate shelter resources and the challenges municipalities face in addressing this growing crisis.
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