(cross-posted from Vermont Watch, here; photo omitted)

Below is commentary concerning homelessness within Vermont penned this morning and submitted as a letter to the editor to three local newspapers serving the Montpelier area (since slightly edited for the purposes of clarification and readability).

Growing colder on the streets

It was somewhat chilly out while walking downtown in Montpelier to do a little food shopping and then back home early this morning (Sunday, October 7th). It was colder still for those seen obviously living homeless on the streets.

These same as well as other individuals previously sighted during this year have been living outside for several months now, if not longer, at least in some cases.

How is the State of Vermont doing in terms of helping those living homeless?

From what I have observed over the last year or more, it would appear as if the state is not doing enough to assist those experiencing this type of dire need.

The state could be doing much more as well as a lot better than it currently appears to doing along these lines. Holding summits and meetings concerning homelessness and related matters is certainly not enough, nor are these what it takes to “get tough things done” in these instances either.

What people living homeless have the most need of is permanent, safe, decent, affordable housing (not merely homeless shelters, motel stays or other transitional, short term type of housing) as well as, if they have need of such, access to a variety of robust supports and services offered on a voluntary basis; and, on a case by case basis and if need be, not necessarily tied to accepting and maintaining housing.

This is indeed doable and it works.

Morgan W. Brown

Montpelier