Reducing effects of Homelessness – a collaborative approach

Reducing effects of Homelessness – a collaborative approach

How one community came together to support people experiencing homelessness during the pandemic

Homelessness has been a significant issue nationally and in Vermont for decades. Being homeless during a pandemic has compounded the challenges individuals and families face when they lose their home, but community efforts across the State are making a difference.

J, a 57-year-old man was homeless after losing his job due to COVID and his housing after a messy divorce, causing him to couch surf, which wasn’t safe in the pandemic. The first step in getting back on his feet was to access housing in a hotel last spring. “Once I got into the motel it wasn’t too long before everyone stepped in to be sure I was taken care of. It took me a couple of weeks to actually ask for help, but it helped that I saw someone daily for temperature checks and food delivery”. Read more…

Link to article:

https://vtdigger.org/sponsored_content/reducing-effects-of-homelessness-a-collaborative-approach/

VTDigger is excited to work with Vermont Care Partners to promote the much needed services of its sixteen respective member agencies which, includes NCSS. They also understand how important it is for our elected officials to know how to support the needs of Vermonters.

This thirteen week series is a collaboration produced by members of the Vermont Care Partners statewide network of sixteen non-profit, community-based agencies providing mental health, substance use and intellectual and developmental disability support.

Below is the eighth installment of the series from Lamoille County Mental Health Services (LCMHS) focusing on the community supporting homelessness during the pandemic.