DCF Announces Seasonal Policy for Emergency Shelter Program

November 14, 2022

Waterbury, VT- To help ensure Vermonters who are homeless and don't have adequate financial resources can seek temporary housing in hotels and motels during harsh winter weather, the Department for Children and Families is announcing the seasonal policy for Emergency Shelter.

As outlined in the 2022-23 Adverse Weather Conditions Policy:

Between December 15, 2022 - March 15, 2023:

Expanded eligibility will be in place regardless of the forecasted weather.

From November 15 - December 15, 2022and March 15 - April 15, 2023:

Expanded eligibility will be in place when the following conditions are met or anticipated - for at least three hours, between the hours of 6PM and 6AM:

1. Temperatures or wind chill are less than 20 degrees (F); or

1. Temperatures are less than 32 degrees (F) with a higher than 50% projected chance of precipitation.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Vermont has helped over 2,800 households exit homelessness into permanent housing. Assisting this many households would not be possible without the diligent work of community partners, service providers, and housing organizations. Housing individuals in hotels is not an ideal setting for people experiencing homelessness and the Agency for Commerce and Community Development, and the Department for Children and Families continue to work to help transition people who are in the program into stable, long-term housing, which is better for the health and safety of Vermonters and requires collaboration across state government and with community organizations.  

To learn more:

• Call 1-800-479-6151.
• Go to https://dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/EA-GA.
• Visit your local ESD District Office: https://dcf.vermont.gov/esd/contact/districts