Thanks to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Vermont was able to support unique and targeted programs to help low-income families and families suffering from the economic fallout of Covid-19 stay safely housed. But as it stands, dollars from the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) must be expended by the end of the year, and many Vermont programs have deadlines coming up sooner. The state does not want Vermonters to be struggling to pay bills, and we want this money to stay in Vermont. If you or anyone you know might need this assistance—even those who do not normally receive public help—apply now!
*Thanks to Vermont Legal Aid for supplying much of the information for this post. Vermont Legal Aid is also able to help individual tenants and homeowners. Call at 1-800-889-2047 or go to http://vtlawhelp.org. For the fastest response, leave a message explaining what you need in a sentence or two.*
For help with utilities: Vermont COVID-19 Arrearage Assistance Program. Deadline December 15. This Department of Public Service program provides eligible Vermont households and businesses with a grant to pay for past-due balances for utility bills, now expanded to include water and sewer bills. Residential households and non-residential account holders who have suffered an economic hardship due to loss of income precipitated by COVID-19 may apply for assistance.
For help with past-due rent: Rental Housing Stabilization Program. Deadline December 11. This Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA) program prevents evictions by funding landlords on behalf of tenants who owe rent in arrears. Tenants and landlords apply for this program at the same time. There are no income limits. VSHA pays landlords directly to bring the tenant’s rent account current.
For help with the cost of moving from an unstable housing situation: Money to Move Program. Deadline EXTENDED – December 20. This VSHA program can cover the money needed to move into an affordable rental unit (i.e., first and last month’s rent plus security deposit.) People in need of a stable housing situation should call 2-1-1 to find help and may be eligible if they find a landlord willing to rent to them.
For help with landlord disputes: Landlord/Tenant Mediation Program. Deadline December 20. Vermont Legal Aid and the Vermont Landlords Association have collaborated to create a new landlord/tenant mediation program with the aim of resolving disputes that go beyond nonpayment of rent during the eviction moratorium. Both the landlord and tenant must agree to go through mediation. This program is available for free virtually through an online platform such as Zoom, through December 20, 2020. Participants will have access to a professional mediator who will help them discuss issues with the aim of resolving disputes.
For help with securing housing out of homelessness: Rapid Resolution Housing Initiative. Deadlines set by local fund administrators. This program, under the Department of Children and Families’ Office of Economic Opportunity, provides financial assistance to meet immediate needs of individuals and families experiencing homelessness related to COVID-19. These funds are for onetime/short term flexible financial assistance to help households get to safe housing and work toward or achieve their housing goals. Referrals must go through fund administrators, who are service providers in the applicant’s area, listed here. Applicants must be participating in Coordinated Entry (more information below).
For help securing emergency shelter: General Assistance “Motel Voucher” Program. The Department of Children and Family’s (DCF) Economic Services Division is extending eligibility for homeless households to stay in motels paid for by the state through March 31, 2021. For more information or to apply, contact the Benefits Service Center at 1-800-479-6151. Follow this link for the program rules. If you stay in a shelter or motel, you need to participate in “coordinated entry.” Through coordinated entry, you will be assigned a housing case manager who will help you access subsidies and programs to help you get permanent housing. To learn more about coordinated entry, call 2-1-1. If you worked with your case manager to apply for a subsidy or other program and your application was denied, call Vermont Legal Aid at 1-800-889-2047.
*Note: the Vermont Housing Finance Agency’s Mortgage Assistance Program, also a CRF-funded program, is no longer accepting applications.*