The median time families were homeless prior to being housed through the FSH program has generally trended upward from a low of 4 months in SFY 2016 to a high of 8 months in SFY 2021.  Factors impacting this measure include the lack of available rentals, the high cost of rent, very low incomes, and tenant history.  In SFY 2021, Vermont faced a severe housing shortage driven by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The lack of available units suitable for families has translated into a longer duration of homelessness than seen in previous fiscal years.