CALLED THE BOARD’S ACTIONS A QUOTE “FARCICAL COVER FOR A HOSTILE TAKEOVER.” TURNING TO MONTPELIER NOW. WHERE A BILL IS HEADED TO GOVERNOR SCOTT’S DESK THAT WOULD DRASTICALLY CHANGE THE STATE’S APPROACH TO HOMELESSNESS AND THE CURRENT MODEL KNOWN AS THE HOTEL MOTEL PROGRAM. UNDER THE BILL COMMUNITY ACTION ORGANIZATIONS WOULD BECOME RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING SHELTER for the UNHOUSED. THE HOTEL MOTEL PROGRAM WILL REMAIN FOR ONE BEFORE YEAR BEFORE THE TRANSITION BEGINS. STARTING THIS JULY THE STATE WOULD PROVIDE SEVEN MILLION DOLLARS TO BEGIN THE PROCESS WITH FULL IMPLEMENTATION AIMED FOR NEXT SUMMER. THE CHANGES COMES AS LAWMAKERS AND THE GOVERNOR SAY THE HOTEL MOTEL PROGRAM IS TOO EXPENSIVE. AND NOT THE BEST WAY TO GO ABOUT HELPING THE MOST VULNERABLE. “During this transitional period they will be building up their systems, staffing levels looking at something we call intake shelters where assessment and referral can be made.” GOVERNOR SCOTT HAS SAID IN RECENT WEEKS HE THOUGHT THE NEW PROGRAM NEEDS TO SPEND LESS
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Lawmakers send bill to Gov. Phil Scott that changes state’s response to homelessness
Beginning this July, the state plans to provide $7 million to municipalities and organizations to begin implementation, with full rollout expected by the summer of 2026.
Updated: 6:07 PM EDT May 29, 2025
A bill that could significantly alter Vermont’s approach to homelessness is headed to Governor Phil Scott’s desk, proposing a shift away from the current Hotel-Motel program.Under the proposed legislation, community action organizations would take on the responsibility of providing shelter and housing for the state’s unhoused population. The Hotel-Motel program will remain in place for one additional year during the transition phase. Beginning this July, the state plans to provide $7 million to municipalities and organizations to begin implementation, with full rollout expected by the summer of 2026.The changes come amid recognition from lawmakers and the governor that the existing program is financially unsustainable and may not effectively serve the state’s most vulnerable residents.”During this transitional period, they will be building up their systems, staffing levels, and looking at something we call intake shelters, where assessment and referral can be made,” said Rep. Theresa Wood, D-Waterbury, chair of the House Human Services Committee.Governor Scott has recently voiced concerns about the cost of the proposed program. When asked Thursday if he would sign the bill, Scott said he had not yet reviewed the latest version passed earlier Thursday morning.
A bill that could significantly alter Vermont’s approach to homelessness is headed to Governor Phil Scott’s desk, proposing a shift away from the current Hotel-Motel program.
Under the proposed legislation, community action organizations would take on the responsibility of providing shelter and housing for the state’s unhoused population. The Hotel-Motel program will remain in place for one additional year during the transition phase.
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Beginning this July, the state plans to provide $7 million to municipalities and organizations to begin implementation, with full rollout expected by the summer of 2026.
The changes come amid recognition from lawmakers and the governor that the existing program is financially unsustainable and may not effectively serve the state’s most vulnerable residents.
“During this transitional period, they will be building up their systems, staffing levels, and looking at something we call intake shelters, where assessment and referral can be made,” said Rep. Theresa Wood, D-Waterbury, chair of the House Human Services Committee.
Governor Scott has recently voiced concerns about the cost of the proposed program. When asked Thursday if he would sign the bill, Scott said he had not yet reviewed the latest version passed earlier Thursday morning.
