Tell Gov. Scott to accept compromise plan

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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 not for lack of trying. Unfortunately, Phil Scott just showed his commitment to removing hundreds of the most vulnerable Vermonters from emergency shelters at the end of March by vetoing the Budget Adjustment Act (BAA) and continuing to refuse a good-faith compromise.

Denying life-saving services in the middle of a homelessness crisis is as inhumane as it is fiscally irresponsible. Governor Scott’s actions will intensify the statewide housing crisis and needlessly place the lives of some of our most vulnerable community members at immense risk.The Scott administration is instead proposing that either these people be removed from their current shelter and for municipalities to bear the burden of supporting them; or to remove older Vermonters above the age of 65, people with disabilities, and those fleeing domestic violence from the program. We urgently ask you to raise your voice on behalf of all those whose safety is in jeopardy.

We are painfully reminded of lessons learned from last year when hundreds of families were unsheltered without an alternative plan in place. Unfortunately, Phil Scott’s choices have put us in the same situation once again. 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. Time is running out – we need him to accept this compromise plan now.

The Governor has the opportunity to accept a no-cost compromise plan and he needs to hear from you! Keeping our most vulnerable neighbors out of the cold should not be a partisan issue.

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

The recipient:

Governor Phil Scott

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Subject:

Subject Accept the compromise plan on shelter

Body:

I am writing today to ask you to accept the legislature’s compromise solution for the Budget Adjustment Act (BAA) and approve the no-cost extension of the Adverse Weather Conditions policy for Vermonters currently accessing the General Assistance emergency housing program. Exiting individuals and families who have already been vetted by the state and determined to be “vulnerable” without an adequate plan to support them will cause extreme suffering for Vermonters in need and create disastrous ripple effects across our communities.

The people impacted by this choice include hundreds of families with children, people with disabilities, and individuals fleeing domestic violence. By accepting the legislature’s concession, you can ensure continued shelter for roughly 457 households, including 590 adults and 160 children, who will otherwise lose access to shelter come Tuesday, April 1.

Vermonters are relying on you to keep them safe, and we need to ensure that our communities are not left to solve statewide problems on their own. As your constituent, I ask you to reach a compromise with the legislature that does not place the lives of vulnerable Vermonters in harm.

Sincerely,

[First Name] [Last Name]

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Your Message

Subject Accept the compromise plan on shelter

Message Body

The legislature has agreed to a compromise proposal that would remove all new funding to the program. Everyone can agree that we need to reform our statewide housing program, but that doesn’t justify leaving members of our community without a safe place to sleep right now. H. 91 will soon be voted on by the House and provides a path forward to achieve the change we all know is needed. But kicking people out of stable shelters does not address the changes our system needs; it won’t connect people to essential services, and it won’t keep people safe.

I urge you to listen to the voices of community leaders, providers, advocates, and experts asking you to support this extension. For some individuals, this policy choice may be one of life and death. Tragically, as a result of limitations on our General Assistance emergency housing program this past fall, at least seven Vermonters have lost their lives, and at least 82 people have died over the last four years while experiencing unsheltered homelessness.

Sincerely,

[First Name] [Last Name]

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