The Family Supportive Housing (FSH) Program provides intensive case management and service coordination to homeless families with children and helps house families through partnership with housing providers. The program's goal is to reduce the incidence and duration of homelessness through supports for families as they transition to and sustain permanent housing over time. Service coordination and case management focus on the root causes of a family's homelessness; promote resiliency for parents and their children; and help households build financial capability. FSH staff take a holistic, two-generation approach using non-judgmental, positive, and trauma-informed communication and engagement in their support of families.
Families with children under the age of six who have had multiple episodes of homelessness or engagement with Family Services are prioritized for the program. OEO administers funding which supports Family Supportive Housing at seven community-based providers: Barre, Bennington, Brattleboro, Rutland, St. Johnsbury and White River Junction.
Service Coordinators provide customized home-based case management; financial empowerment coaching; life skills support and referrals; tenant education; parent and child resiliency support; and support of addiction recovery. FSH Service Coordinators align and coordinate these services with existing Agency of Human Services programs and initiatives.
o FY23 Budget Recommendation: $1,586,351
o FY22 Estimated Expenditures: $1,500,000
o FY21 Actuals: $1,139,849
The Vermont Weatherization Program helps lower income residents particularly older Vermonters, people with disabilities, and families with children to save fuel and money by improving the energy efficiency and health and safety of their homes.
The Housing Opportunity Grant Program supports basic operations and essential services at 39 emergency shelters in Vermont.
Individuals and families who become homeless are served through a network of homeless shelters, domestic and sexual violence shelters and motels.
Individuals and families who come into shelter are provided support services, housing navigation services and referrals to housing supports such voucher programs and other forms of economic assistance so they can find permanent affordable housing.