Supporting Those Experiencing Homelessness in Vermont

Vermont is a beautiful state, but its harsh winters and limited housing resources can make life extremely difficult for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Across the state, people without stable housing face challenges such as exposure to cold weather, limited access to food and healthcare, and difficulty navigating complex social services.

At BCCH and other community organizations, our goal is to provide support, resources, and guidance to help individuals move from crisis toward stability. Here are key steps and resources for those currently unhoused in Vermont:

1. Know Your Shelter Options

Safe shelter is critical, especially during Vermont’s long and cold winters.

• Norton Family Shelter – Provides emergency housing for families. Individuals and families can join the waitlist by contacting BCCH directly.

• 966 Main Street Shelter – Provides overnight shelter for adults. Guests must call to schedule an intake, where staff will guide them through available resources.

Tip: Reach out early, especially during winter months, as shelter space is limited.

2. Extreme Cold Weather Shelter Program (ECWSP)

Vermont operates the ECWSP to protect individuals during extreme cold:

• BCCH is the grant award recipient for Bennington County.

• Program Dates: December 1, 2025 – April 1, 2026

• Mandatory Activation: Shelter opens when temperatures, including wind chill, are forecasted at -10°F or lower for four or more hours.

• Optional Activation: BCCH may open the shelter on days above -10°F but at or below 0°F if staffing, resources, and safety can be maintained. VIA notifies BCCH monthly of optional activation opportunities.

How it works: BCCH follows VIA’s protocols, coordinating staffing, volunteers, and communication with the community via press releases, social media, and partner networks.

3. Food and Essential Services

Staying fed and healthy is a top priority. Some local food pantries and programs include:

• BROC Community Action – Food pantry for Bennington County residents, entry access point for Coordinated Entry and housing navigation services

• GBICS (Greater Bennington Interfaith Community Services) – Food pantry, medical clinic and support services

• Harvest House – Provides warm prepared meals

Use this link to see a concise list of food resources: Bennington County Food Resources

4. Outreach Efforts

BCCH and local partners conduct active outreach to connect unhoused individuals with essential resources:

• Street and community outreach to locate individuals in need

• Connecting people with shelter beds and winter programs

• Delivering hygiene products, food, clothing, essential supplies for outdoor living, safety supplies and information directly to those living outdoors or in temporary housing

Outreach ensures that even those who cannot reach or enter shelters, are informed of available services and support.

5. Housing Navigation

Transitioning to stable housing can be challenging, but support is available:

• Rental listings & affordable housing:

  • Vermont 211 Housing & Shelter Directory

  • Zillow Bennington Rentals

  • Realtor.com Bennington Rentals

  • Our Properties | Bennington Housing Authority

• Rental assistance programs – Section 8 vouchers (HCV), Family Unification Program vouchers (FUP), Vermont Rental Subsidy (VRS), HOME family voucher and case management through local agencies (At this time applications to these programs waitlists are closed for applicants - contact Bennington Housing Authority or CVOEO for updates).

• Shelter and case management staff can provide references, help complete applications, and connect individuals with landlords willing to work with people transitioning from homelessness (landlordlist.pdf)

6. Safety and Well-Being

Being unhoused in Vermont comes with physical and emotional challenges:

• Stay warm and dry—layer clothing, use blankets, and seek shelter whenever possible

• Stay connected—keep a charged phone if possible, and let staff or volunteers know your location

• Seek help early—don’t wait until conditions become dangerous to reach out to shelters or outreach teams

7. Get in Touch

For more information or assistance:

• BCCH Executive Directors, Karissa Myers & Roxanne Carelli

  karissa.myers@bcchvt.org & roxanne.carelli@bcchvt.org

• Norton Family Shelter Intake & Waitlist: Call the Norton Case Manager at 802-681-8062

• 966 Main Street Shelter Intake: Call the 966 Case Managers at 802-442-2424

• Outreach Intake: Call the Outreach Case Coordinators at 802-442-0843

Final Thoughts

No one should face Vermont’s cold winters without shelter, food, or support. If you are unhoused or know someone in need, reach out to BCCH or your local community partners. Shelters, outreach teams, and programs like the ECWSP exist to provide immediate safety, dignity, and hope while helping people move toward stable housing and long-term support.

Together, we can ensure that everyone in Vermont has a safe place to stay, especially when the weather is at its harshest.