Extend emergency housing

Most recent signers:

The message:

We all need a safe and secure place to live. But for over 3,400 of our neighbors, access to reliable shelter is out of reach, and at least 82 people have died over the last four years while experiencing unsheltered homelessness.

Now, Governor Phil Scott wants to remove hundreds more of the most vulnerable Vermonters from emergency shelters at the end of March.

Denying life-saving services in the middle of a homelessness crisis is as inhumane as it is fiscally irresponsible. The governor’s veto of the Budget Adjustment Act (BAA) will intensify the statewide housing crisis and needlessly place the lives of some of our most vulnerable community members at immense risk. We urgently ask you to raise your voice on behalf of all those whose safety is in jeopardy.

We are reminded of last year when hundreds of families were unsheltered without an alternative plan in place. Unfortunately, Governor Scott's choices have put us in the same situation once again, passing responsibility for a statewide crisis on to local cities and towns.

The people impacted by this choice include families with children, people with disabilities, and individuals fleeing domestic violence. Due to Governor Scott's veto of the BAA, roughly 457 households, including 590 adults and 160 children, will lose access to shelter come Tuesday, April 1.

The legislature now has the opportunity to work across the aisle and keep our most vulnerable neighbors out of the cold. This should not be a partisan issue – but lawmakers need to hear from you and act quickly.

Please fill out the form below and contact your legislators today.

The recipients:

Your State Senator

Your State Representative

Review Message

We put in some suggestions, but make the message your own where possible!

Subject:

Subject Extend emergency shelter

Body:

I am writing today to ask you to use your power to extend the Adverse Weather Conditions policy for Vermonters currently accessing the General Assistance emergency housing program through the end of the fiscal year. This will help create a more stable environment for participants, communities and providers while the legislature works towards a long-term solution this session.

Vermonters are relying on you to keep them safe, and we need to ensure that our communities are not left to solve state-wide problems on their own. As your constituent, I ask you to raise your voice and support negotiations that extend the housing program.

Sincerely,

[First Name] [Last Name]

Fill out your information

Salutation *

First name *

Last name *

Address *

Address line 2

Zip code *

City *

State *

Phone *

E-mail address *

Show my name in a list of action takers.

Sign me up for ACLU emails so I can stay informed and take action to protect people's rights.

I agree to receive calls and texts (including automated recurring text messages) from the ACLU and its state affiliates at the number I provided above about ways to take action and support the ACLU organizations. Message & Data Rates May Apply. Text STOP to quit. Privacy Statement

[The Form Label field is hidden on ACLU message action forms]

Your Message

Subject Extend emergency shelter

Message Body

Sincerely,

[First Name] [Last Name]

Your Information

All data you enter here will be shared with the message recipient along with your message, per our privacy statement.

Salutation *

(required by some officials)

ABOUT HONORIFIC TITLES

Many public officials use "web mail forms" that this system will send your message to, so you don't have to visit their web sites to communicate with them. The systems that some of these officials use requires that the honorific field be used (Mr., Mrs., Miss, etc.).

Unfortunately, we do not have control of which honorific titles are presented as options. We must adhere to what the officials are using in order for your message to be delivered.

Alternate salutation *

Most elected officials’ constituent email systems accept a very limited set of salutations. Please select the one you would most prefer.