Yesterday the Vermont Human Services Board issued a ruling that will help many of our clients access emergency housing that they have been wrongfully denied by the state. The state was attempting to argue that emergency housing nights granted under the Governor’s Executive Order should count against someone’s eligibility after July 1st. The Board found that this was inconsistent with Act 27 passed by the Legislature, which clearly specifies that the counting of days begins on July 1st. We are very grateful to Vermont Legal Aid Attorney Maryellen Griffin for coming up with the brilliant legal strategy that helped lead to this outcome.
“This ruling will save many of our clients’ lives”, said Brenda Siegel, Executive Director. “This has been one of the most challenging times in our work. To see our clients on oxygen, with muscular dystrophy, with babies, in wheelchairs and more sent to attempt survival outside. Our staff at End Homelessness Vermont as well as Legal Aid have both been working tirelessly to argue on behalf and beside these vulnerable Vermonters”.
Our clients who were housed under the Executive Order are families with children and those that are extremely medically vulnerable. Most of them will not survive outside for multiple months until the Winter Weather Program begins again. This ruling by the board is lifesaving and honors the intent of the Vermont Legislature.
The only days that should count toward one’s 80 days, regardless if they were housed under the Executive Order or not, are days used after July 1st of 2025. Our advice to households, if they are denied emergency housing, is to ask for a denial letter, request a Fair Hearing, and reach out to both Vermont Legal Aid (https://www.vtlawhelp.org/
EHVT is looking forward to cooperation and collaboration from people with lived experience, providers, and state government toward the shared goal of meeting the needs of all Vermonters.
Trending Now
Video Announcement - Bondville Fair
