Bill > H0594

This bill establishes the Temporary Emergency Housing and Accountability Program and the Return Home Program for fiscal years 2027 and 2028, aiming to provide temporary emergency housing for vulnerable Vermonters while encouraging efficient use of taxpayer funds and promoting a transition to sustainable housing solutions. The bill outlines a tiered continuum of care for homelessness, starting with high-barrier shelters as the primary option, followed by low-barrier shelters, transitional and recovery housing, and finally permanent supportive housing, with the Vermont Housing Investment Program (VHIP) as a key component for long-term stability. It defines eligibility criteria, emphasizing physical presence in Vermont and verified need, while also prioritizing vulnerable populations and ensuring that no one is denied emergency shelter based on citizenship or immigration status. The bill also includes provisions for accountability and case management, setting time limits for program participation within each tier and outlining sanctions for non-compliance, with exceptions for individuals with disabilities or other limiting conditions. Furthermore, it significantly reduces reliance on hotels and motels for emergency housing, capping their use and repurposing them for transitional or workforce housing, while maintaining separate provisions for survivors of domestic violence. The Return Home Program is also established to assist eligible homeless individuals in returning to their home states with travel and relocation expenses, ensuring voluntary participation and preventing involuntary displacement. The bill appropriates substantial funding for these programs in fiscal years 2027 and 2028, with provisions for carrying forward unexpended funds.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.594