Vermont’s system of care for people who are unhoused or in need of mental health services is in a perilous state. This fragile system will be further strained as pandemic funding for emergency housing is about to end for about 3,000 people who are currently living in motels.
Rep. Theresa Wood, D-Waterbury, told her colleagues that there are over 300 vacancies in manufactured home parks right now. At $40,000 a piece, she said, $10 million could buy an estimated 250 manufactured homes.
Imagine a thriving state that includes revitalized village centers with easy access to schools, restaurants and social events; diverse communities; and a greener, more sustainable Vermont.
The people we are currently sheltering in the motels are not disposable; they deserve to remain safe. Let’s decide that we will not leave people unsheltered on our watch.
With nowhere else to go and even fewer rights than a typical renter Vermonters relying on a state-run program for shelter have had little recourse when they’ve run into poor treatment or conditions.