Connecting vulnerable Vermonters to food, housing and addiction resources

Connecting vulnerable Vermonters to the right resources should be an easy first step in addressing the issues facing our communities. If you need help, there are several organizations that can connect you with the right resources.

There are a number of local and national challenges that these organizations say feed off each other. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or mental health, basic needs like food and shelter can also be more difficult to secure.

The Department of Children and Families is the place to go for many of the resources that deal with these problems. Its mission is to “promote the healthy development, safety, well-being and self-sufficiency of Vermonters.” The department provides benefits, services and support to about 200,000 Vermonters each year, including children, youth, families, Vermont seniors and people with disabilities.

Where to find housing

The housing shortage has been an ongoing conversation for Vermonters, from residents to local governments, especially with new restrictions on the Vermont General Assistance Program, often referred to as the motel/hotel program, which it leaves many people without a place, including families with small children. to sleep

A 2022 Vermont Business Magazine study listed Vermont as the state with the second-lowest vacancy rate, after Connecticut. The study showed that 2.4 percent of Vermont’s homes are vacant, leaving little housing available for those who need it. Affordable housing is even more scarce.

Vermont has the second-highest per capita rate of homelessness in the nation, according to the 2023 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report released by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The report stated that “an estimated 3,295 people, or 51 out of every 10,000 people, were experiencing homelessness in Vermont during the point count in January 2023.”

Many municipal and state organizations are working to provide some form of housing in their areas. Vermont’s largest city, Burlington, is an example of many independent organizations working with and for the community.

Five community action agencies that are part of the Vermont Community Action Partnership cover Vermont. Their mission is to “help when you and your family are in crisis, build financial stability, provide housing and energy assistance, and build community, health and wellness.” On their website, you can type in your location and they will provide you with the contact of the agency closest to you, which will be best suited to find more resources near you.

Help with food insecurity

The Vermont Food Bank partners with more than 200 organizations to provide meals and groceries across the state. These organizations work closely together to provide food to hungry neighbors. Their website has an interactive tool to help locate the resources closest to you.

The 3SquaresVT Food Assistance Program is a great way to increase your monthly food budget and anyone can apply. If you’re a college student, over 60, working, unemployed, or getting WIC, disability, or other benefits, you may be eligible for 3SquaresVT, Vermont’s version of SNAP. The benefits of 3SquaresVT can give you the flexibility to buy the types of food you want and need.

Benefits may be specific to your situation. The Vermont Department of Health has resources to help pregnant women, nursing women, infants and children under 5 years of age enjoy healthier lives through nutrition, education and support.

The Supplemental Commodity Food Program is a federal program that provides free monthly information on nutrition and nutritious foods to income-earning older adults.

Resources for those struggling with addiction

United Ways of Vermont offers a 24-hour referral and information hotline that connects people with treatment, recovery and harm reduction resources. Call or text: 2-1-1.

Vermont Recovery Network has centers throughout the state to help people who have struggled with addiction find and maintain recovery through peer support and a sober community.

The Vermont Association for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery is a statewide information and advocacy organization that supports all paths to recovery from addiction to mental health conditions . Since 1939, they have worked to promote mental wellness in Vermont and to be the state’s voice in education, training and community support.

The Vermont Department of Health refers people to VT Helplink as Vermont’s connection to substance use disorder treatment programs and other alcohol and drug support services. VT Helplink is a free resource for Vermonters, offering confidential, non-judgmental support and referrals based on specific needs. No matter where you are in Vermont, a Helplink specialist will listen to you, answer your questions, and help you or your loved one take a step toward recovery.

Sydney P. Hakes is Burlington’s city reporter. Contact her at [email protected].

This article originally appeared in the Burlington Free Press: Where to find food, housing and addiction help in Vermont