**Central Vermont Homelessness Crisis: Good Samaritan Haven Gears Up for Annual Count**
Good Samaritan Haven, a local organization dedicated to supporting those experiencing homelessness, is set to participate in the annual national point-in-time count of individuals without stable housing on January 22. This year’s count is particularly crucial as central Vermont faces an unprecedented homelessness crisis, with numbers soaring compared to previous years. The organization’s deputy director, Meredith Warner, revealed that the latest local count conducted in November 2024 showed a shocking 312% increase in homelessness compared to 2020, with 592 individuals, including 40 children, identified as lacking stable housing.
**Emergency Shelters Open Amid Freezing Temperatures**
As frigid temperatures grip the region, emergency shelters have been crucial in providing a safe haven for those in need. Barre City officials, in collaboration with the state of Vermont, the Red Cross, and local volunteers, have opened an emergency shelter at the Barre Auditorium to accommodate individuals seeking refuge from the cold. Operating on a limited schedule, the shelter is open from 4 p.m. on Sunday and from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Monday through Thursday, offering meals and support from dedicated city personnel, volunteers, and medical reserve corps members.
**Concerns Mount Over Funding for Affordable Housing**
Housing advocates fear that the crisis may worsen in the coming months due to anticipated cuts in federal funding for affordable housing programs under the new presidential administration. Warner highlighted the potential impact of reduced funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which could lead to a decrease in affordable housing units, further straining the already dire situation. The lack of affordable housing has been a contributing factor to the rising rates of homelessness, exacerbated by factors such as natural disasters, cost of living increases, and changes in state programs.
**Community Efforts Provide Temporary Relief**
In the face of these challenges, community volunteers have stepped up to bridge gaps in resources, offering temporary solutions to ensure individuals have a warm place to stay during harsh weather conditions. The Unitarian Church in Montpelier has been operating a volunteer-run emergency cold weather shelter on nights when temperatures plummet below 10 degrees Fahrenheit, providing a vital lifeline for those in need. Despite the dedicated efforts of volunteers, the need for more permanent solutions and increased state support remains a pressing issue in addressing the homelessness crisis in central Vermont.
**Isaiah, a 34-year-old from Northfield, who had been sleeping rough, found solace at the Barre Auditorium warming center, where he received hot food and a warm place to spend the night. The image of his gratitude as he shared his story with volunteers serves as a poignant reminder of the human impact behind the statistics, highlighting the urgent need for continued community support and sustainable solutions to combat homelessness in the region.**
As the winter continues and challenges persist, the ongoing efforts of organizations like Good Samaritan Haven and the dedication of volunteers remain essential in providing assistance to those in need. Despite the obstacles ahead, the unwavering commitment of individuals coming together to support their community shines as a beacon of hope amidst the darkness of uncertainty.
