Homeless Assistance in Vermont

Homeless Assistance in Vermont

Locate emergency shelters, federal programs, state assistance, financial aid, healthcare, and employment support available to Vermont residents.

2,200+
People experiencing homelessness
90+
Assistance programs statewide
$38M+
Federal housing funds
14 Counties
With local resources
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Need help right now? Call 2-1-1 — free 24/7 helpline connects you to local shelters and services in Vermont within minutes.

Emergency Housing & Shelter

Immediate options for Vermont residents who need a safe place to stay tonight.

Emergency Shelters

Find available shelter beds tonight across Vermont. Call 211 for real-time availability and directions to the nearest open shelter in your area.

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Family & Youth Shelters

Specialized shelters for families with children and unaccompanied youth in Vermont. Safe environments with case management and wraparound support.

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Veterans Emergency Housing

Dedicated emergency housing for Vermont veterans. HUD-VASH vouchers and VA-funded supportive services are available statewide. Call 1-877-4AID-VET.

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Federal Assistance Programs

Federal programs available to eligible Vermont residents regardless of city or county.

HUD Continuum of Care

Primary federal program organizing housing and services for homeless individuals in Vermont. CoC regions provide transitional and permanent supportive housing.

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Emergency Solutions Grants

Funds emergency shelters, street outreach, homeless prevention, and rapid re-housing. Vermont receives federal ESG funding distributed through local providers.

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Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)

Rental assistance vouchers for very low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals. Apply through your local Vermont Public Housing Authority.

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HUD-VASH (Veterans)

Combines Section 8 housing vouchers with VA supportive services for veterans experiencing homelessness. Available across multiple Vermont locations.

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PATH Program (Mental Health)

Outreach, case management, and mental health support for homeless individuals. Operated through Vermont community mental health centers statewide.

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SNAP Food Assistance

Helps low-income Vermont residents buy food. Apply at your local benefits office. No permanent address required to apply.

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Vermont State Programs

Programs funded or operated specifically by Vermont for residents experiencing homelessness.

Vermont Emergency Solutions Grant

Vermont administers ESG funding for homeless shelter operations, rapid re-housing, and prevention services through local providers across the state.

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TANF – Vermont (Reach Up)

Reach Up provides cash assistance and employment coaching to eligible Vermont families with children working toward self-sufficiency.

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Vermont Medicaid (Green Mountain Care)

Vermont’s Medicaid program covering eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly, and disabled Vermonters. Apply at dvha.vermont.gov.

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Vermont Housing Programs

Vermont Housing Finance Agency provides affordable housing resources, rental assistance, and housing grants for low-income Vermont residents.

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Vermont Workforce & Employment

Free job training, resume help, and career placement through Vermont’s Workforce Development programs. Find your nearest office at the link below.

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LIHEAP Energy Assistance

Helps low-income Vermont households pay heating and cooling bills. Distributed through local community action agencies. Call 211 to find your provider.

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Local Resources by City

Major Vermont cities with dedicated homeless services and housing authorities.

Burlington

Champlain Housing Trust — homeless services, shelter placement, and housing assistance for Burlington area residents experiencing homelessness.

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Montpelier

HOPE: Works — emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rapid re-housing services for individuals and families in the Montpelier area.

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Rutland

Rutland Homeless Coalition — housing resources, case management, and emergency assistance for Rutland area residents experiencing homelessness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about getting homeless assistance in Vermont.

Call 2-1-1 — free 24/7 helpline that connects you to available shelter beds in Vermont near you in minutes. Available in English and Spanish. You can also text your zip code to 898-211 or visit 211.org.
No. You do not need a permanent address to apply for most benefits in Vermont. You can use a shelter address, a P.O. box, or a mail service address. Vermont benefit workers are trained to assist people without permanent housing in applying for SNAP, Medicaid, and cash assistance.
Yes. Vermont has strong programs for homeless veterans including:
  • HUD-VASH — Section 8 vouchers specifically for veterans with VA case management
  • SSVF — Rapid re-housing and prevention for veteran families
  • Vermont Veterans Housing — Affordable housing and support for Vermont veterans
Call 1-877-4AID-VET to speak with a VA homeless specialist.
Rapid re-housing (RRH) helps homeless individuals move quickly into permanent housing with short-term rental assistance (3–12 months) plus case management. There are no universal income requirements — priority goes to those with greatest need. Call 211 and ask specifically for rapid re-housing in Vermont.
Apply at Vermont’s Medicaid portal or visit any local benefits office. You do not need a permanent address. Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health services, and more at little or no cost.