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housing assistance in vermont

Housing Assistance for Single Mothers in Vermont

Complete Housing Assistance Guide for Single Mothers in Vermont

Last updated: August 2025

Information verified with current program data as of August 12, 2025


Main Points

  • Emergency housing assistance is available through the General Assistance Emergency Housing Program at (800) 775-0506 for catastrophic situations
  • Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting list closed January 31, 2025 – but Project-Based Voucher programs are still accepting applications
  • HOME Family Housing Voucher Program provides 24 months of rental assistance to up to 200 homeless families with children (applications currently closed)
  • Vermont Housing Improvement Program (VHIP) 2.0 offers landlords up to $50,000 grants to create affordable rental units
  • LIHEAP energy assistance provides up to $1,843 for heating bills and $1,664 for crisis assistance
  • Income limits vary by county – most programs serve families earning 30-80% of area median income
  • Multiple programs can be combined for maximum assistance

If You Need Help Today

Facing eviction or homeless? Call the Emergency Housing Line at (800) 775-0506 immediately. This program helps with emergency housing for catastrophic situations.

Can’t pay utilities? Contact your local Community Action Agency for crisis utility assistance. Emergency help available for disconnection notices.

Need rent help now? The HOME Family Housing Voucher Program applications are currently closed, but contact 2-1-1 for emergency rental assistance referrals in your area.

In danger? Vermont Network Against Domestic & Sexual Violence: (800) 228-7395 or National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233

Emergency Housing Assistance

General Assistance Emergency Housing Program

The General Assistance Emergency Housing Program provides temporary housing assistance in emergency situations. This state-run program underwent major changes in July 2024, with new restrictions on eligibility and length of stay.

What it covers:

  • Hotel/motel stays for up to 80 nights maximum
  • Emergency housing for catastrophic situations (fire, flood, natural disaster)
  • Temporary housing for families with vulnerable members

Eligibility requirements:

  • You’ve experienced a catastrophic situation (fire, flood, natural disaster) OR
  • Your household contains a vulnerable member (pregnant women, children under 1, elderly 65+, disabled individuals)
  • Must have little or no income and resources
  • Must be a Vermont resident

How to apply: Call the Emergency Housing Line at (800) 775-0506 or apply at your local Department for Children and Families district office.

Processing time: Emergency assistance is processed the same day when you apply in person at district offices.

Reality check: The program has strict limits – only 80 nights of assistance maximum, and room capacity is capped statewide. From September 15 to November 30 and April 1 to June 30, only 1,100 hotel rooms are available statewide. Priority goes to families with the most vulnerable members.

2-1-1 Vermont

Call 2-1-1 or visit Vermont211.org for immediate referrals to emergency assistance, food banks, and shelter programs in your area.

Long-Term Housing Programs

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

Important Update: The Vermont State Housing Authority closed its Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting list on January 31, 2025. New applications are not being accepted.

However, Project-Based Voucher programs are still available. These vouchers are tied to specific housing developments rather than portable vouchers. Contact VSHA at (800) 951-1133 for information about available Project-Based Voucher properties.

Income Eligibility Guidelines (2025)

Based on HUD income limits for Vermont, here are approximate income limits for very low-income housing programs:

Family Size 30% AMI (Extremely Low) 50% AMI (Very Low) 80% AMI (Low Income)
1 person $19,650 $32,750 $52,400
2 people $22,450 $37,400 $59,850
3 people $25,250 $42,100 $67,350
4 people $28,050 $46,750 $74,800

Note: Income limits vary significantly by county. Burlington-South Burlington metro area has higher limits than rural areas. Check with local housing authorities for exact figures.

Application process for Project-Based Vouchers:

  1. Contact VSHA or local property managers directly
  2. Complete applications for specific properties
  3. Provide income verification, ID, Social Security cards
  4. Complete eligibility interview and background check
  5. Wait for unit availability at that specific property

Reality check: With regular Section 8 closed, options are limited. Project-Based Vouchers are property-specific, so you can’t move and keep the assistance. VSHA serves over 8,500 families statewide but demand far exceeds availability.

Fair Market Rents (2025)

HUD Fair Market Rents set maximum amounts Section 8 will pay toward rent in Vermont:

Area 1 BR 2 BR 3 BR 4 BR
Burlington $1,380 $1,738 $2,210 $2,567
Addison County $1,099 $1,410 $1,779 $2,065
Rutland $1,056 $1,298 $1,694 $1,969
Rural Areas $976 $1,244 $1,673 $1,942

HOME Family Housing Voucher Program

CVOEO’s HOME Family Housing Voucher Program provides rapid re-housing assistance to families experiencing homelessness. The program is modeled after the successful CARES Housing Voucher Program.

What it provides:

  • Up to 24 months of rental assistance (possible extension through June 2026)
  • Security deposit up to twice one month’s rent
  • Housing navigation and retention services
  • Direct payments to landlords

Eligibility requirements:

  • Families with dependent children experiencing homelessness
  • Must be referred through Coordinated Entry process
  • Cannot be receiving other rental assistance
  • Net monthly income must be more than 30% of total monthly income

How to apply: Applications are currently closed. Families must be referred through the Coordinated Entry system by local homeless service providers.

Reality check: This program serves up to 200 families statewide and has strict homeless definition requirements. You must work with local homeless service providers who will refer you through the coordinated entry process.

Vermont Housing Improvement Program (VHIP) 2.0

VHIP 2.0 is a landlord-focused program that creates affordable rental units. While single mothers don’t apply directly, they benefit when landlords create units that must rent at Fair Market Rent levels.

What it provides landlords:

  • Up to $50,000 per unit for rehabilitation or new construction
  • 5-year or 10-year forgivable loans at 0% interest
  • Additional $20,000 for ADA accessibility improvements

Requirements for tenants:

  • Units must rent at or below HUD Fair Market Rent
  • Landlords must accept housing vouchers
  • Landlords must accept paper applications (for those without internet)
  • Security deposits limited to one month’s rent maximum

How it helps single mothers: Over 1,000 units have been funded since the program began, creating more affordable rental options statewide.

Energy Assistance Programs

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Vermont’s LIHEAP program helps eligible households pay heating and cooling bills. The program is administered by the Department for Children and Families and delivered through Community Action Agencies.

Benefits Available (2025)

Based on current Vermont LIHEAP data:

Benefit Type Regular Heating Crisis Assistance
Maximum Amount Up to $1,843 Up to $1,664
Minimum Amount $21 Varies

Income Eligibility (185% Federal Poverty Level)

Vermont expanded LIHEAP income eligibility to 185% of federal poverty guidelines:

Household Size Maximum Annual Income
1 person $27,861
2 people $37,814
3 people $47,767
4 people $57,720

Application periods:

  • Regular heating assistance: Available year-round
  • Crisis assistance: Available year-round for emergencies

Required documents:

  • Photo ID for applicant
  • Social Security cards for all household members
  • Recent heating bills or shut-off notice
  • Proof of income for all household members 18+ for the past month

How to apply: Contact your local Community Action Agency. Do not apply directly to the state office.

Processing time: Applications typically processed within 2-3 weeks of submission.

Reality check: Vermont served 23,293 households with heating assistance in 2024, but funding is limited and distributed first-come, first-served. Apply early in the season.

Green Mountain Power Energy Assistance Program

Eligible households can receive a 25% discount on their monthly electric bills for the first 600 kilowatt hours used.

Income eligibility: Up to 150% of federal poverty level How to apply: Call the Vermont Benefits Service Center at (800) 775-0516

Vermont Gas Low Income Program

Provides a 20% discount on natural gas bills for eligible customers.

Income eligibility: Up to 185% of federal poverty level or LIHEAP eligible households

Specialized Housing Resources

Transitional Housing Programs

Steps to End Domestic Violence

Steps provides emergency shelter and transitional housing for survivors of domestic violence in Addison County.

Services include:

  • Emergency shelter for up to 30 days
  • Transitional housing for up to 24 months
  • Support services and safety planning
  • Children’s services and advocacy

How to apply: Call the 24-hour hotline at (802) 388-4205

Groundworks Collaborative

Groundworks provides emergency shelter and transitional housing in Brattleboro.

Services include:

  • Emergency shelter (up to 90 days)
  • Transitional housing programs
  • Case management and support services
  • Job training and education assistance

Counties served: Windham County and surrounding areas

Homeownership Programs

Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA)

VHFA offers several first-time homebuyer programs:

ASSIST Program: Down payment assistance up to $12,500 VHFA First-Time Homebuyer Program: Below-market interest rate mortgages Move-Up Vermont: Assistance for current homeowners buying larger homes

Downstreet Housing & Community Development

Downstreet offers down payment assistance to income-eligible homebuyers in Central Vermont.

Service area: Washington, Orange, and Lamoille counties Assistance available: Down payment grants and shared equity loans Additional services: Credit counseling, homebuyer education, home repair loans

Inclusive Housing Resources

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers

While Vermont has limited LGBTQ+-specific housing programs, the state has strong anti-discrimination laws. Vermont Fair Housing Law prohibits housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Resources:

Rural Single Mothers with Limited Access

Rural families face unique challenges including limited transportation and fewer service providers.

Transportation assistance:

Rural-specific resources:

Single Fathers

All housing assistance programs described in this guide are available to single fathers. Vermont does not discriminate based on gender in housing assistance programs.

Additional resources for single fathers:

Native American Families

Vermont does not have federally recognized tribes, but Native American families may access specialized programs:

Resources available:

Resources by Region

Chittenden County (Burlington Area)

Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO)

  • LIHEAP utility assistance
  • HOME Family Housing Voucher Program
  • Emergency assistance programs
  • Phone: (802) 862-2771
  • Website: cvoeo.org

Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf

  • Emergency food assistance
  • Utility assistance referrals
  • Phone: (802) 658-7939

Washington County (Montpelier/Barre Area)

Central Vermont Community Action Council

  • LIHEAP assistance
  • Emergency rental assistance
  • Weatherization programs
  • Phone: (802) 479-1053

Downstreet Housing

Addison County (Middlebury Area)

HOPE (Housing & Outreach Program of Empowerment)

Windham County (Brattleboro Area)

Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA)

Groundworks Collaborative

Rutland County

Rutland County Community Action Programs (RCCAP)

  • LIHEAP assistance
  • Emergency assistance programs
  • Housing counseling
  • Phone: (802) 775-0878

Northeast Kingdom (Caledonia, Essex, Orleans Counties)

Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA)

RuralEdge

Common Questions Single Moms Ask (FAQs)

When will Vermont’s Section 8 waiting list reopen?

VSHA has not announced when the Housing Choice Voucher waiting list will reopen. The list closed January 31, 2025, due to high demand and limited funding. Check the VSHA website regularly for updates, or call (800) 951-1133. Project-Based Voucher programs are still available at specific properties.

Can I get help if I work full-time but still can’t afford rent?

Yes! Most Vermont housing programs serve working families. For example, a single mother with two children can earn up to approximately $42,100 annually (50% Area Median Income) and still qualify for very low-income housing programs. Some programs serve families earning up to 80% AMI (about $67,350 for a family of three).

What if my landlord won’t make repairs or accept housing vouchers?

For repairs, contact Vermont Legal Aid at (800) 889-2047 for tenant rights information. Vermont law requires landlords to maintain habitable conditions. For voucher acceptance, contact Vermont Tenants Hotline at (802) 864-0099 for guidance on discrimination issues.

How long does LIHEAP assistance take to process?

LIHEAP applications typically take 2-3 weeks to process after you submit a complete application to your local Community Action Agency. For crisis situations (shut-off notices), agencies prioritize applications and may process them within a few days.

Can I combine different assistance programs?

Yes, you can often combine programs as long as you meet each program’s individual requirements. For example, you might receive LIHEAP for utilities, SNAP for food, and emergency assistance for rent – as long as you qualify for each program separately.

What if I have bad credit or a past eviction?

Many emergency assistance programs don’t require credit checks. For long-term housing, some programs consider past housing issues but allow explanations of changed circumstances. Contact Vermont Legal Aid for help understanding your rights and options.

How do I prove my income if I work multiple part-time jobs?

Keep detailed records of all work and income. Get pay stubs from all employers, even temporary work. Your local Community Action Agency can help you document irregular income properly. Self-employment income can be documented with tax returns or detailed records.

What help is available if I’m facing eviction?

Call Vermont Legal Aid at (800) 889-2047 immediately. Vermont has specific procedures landlords must follow. You may also qualify for emergency rental assistance through local Community Action Agencies. Don’t ignore court papers – respond by the deadline.

Are there programs specifically for single mothers escaping domestic violence?

Yes, Vermont has specialized programs for domestic violence survivors. Contact Steps to End Domestic Violence at (802) 388-4205 for Addison County or the Vermont Network Against Domestic & Sexual Violence at (800) 228-7395 for statewide resources. These programs offer emergency shelter, transitional housing, and safety planning.

What if I’m undocumented?

Most federal housing programs require legal immigration status, but some emergency assistance through Community Action Agencies may be available regardless of status. Contact 2-1-1 for guidance on programs that don’t require documentation. Vermont also has sanctuary policies in some communities.

Warning Signs and Reality Checks

Red Flags to Avoid

Housing scams are common: Never pay fees to apply for Section 8, public housing, or government assistance programs. All legitimate government programs are free to apply for.

Fake landlords: Be wary of rental listings requiring money before viewing the property or rent significantly below market rate. Always visit properties in person.

“Guaranteed” housing: No legitimate service can guarantee you’ll receive housing assistance or move you ahead on waiting lists.

Common Challenges

Limited funding: Vermont has more people needing housing assistance than available help. Apply early and to multiple programs.

Transportation barriers: Many rural areas have limited public transportation. Ask agencies about transportation assistance or remote services.

Paperwork requirements: Missing documents are the most common reason for delays. Gather all required paperwork before applying.

Seasonal heating costs: Vermont’s harsh winters mean high heating bills. Apply for LIHEAP early in the fall before crisis situations develop.

Tips for Success

Apply to multiple programs simultaneously: Don’t wait to be denied by one program before applying to others.

Keep detailed records: Maintain organized files of all applications, documents, and correspondence.

Follow up regularly: Call agencies monthly to check application status and provide any additional information needed.

Build relationships with local providers: Community Action Agency staff can help navigate multiple programs and provide ongoing support.

Plan for Vermont’s climate: High heating costs are a major housing expense. Budget for winter utility bills and apply for energy assistance early.

Additional Resources

Vermont State Agencies

Department for Children and Families

Agency of Commerce and Community Development

Federal Resources

HUD Customer Service

USDA Rural Development – Vermont

Legal Aid

Vermont Legal Aid

Vermont Tenants Hotline

Financial Counseling

Vermont Housing Finance Agency

HUD-Approved Housing Counselors

About this guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

The ASingleMother.org team has been researching and writing comprehensive benefits guides for single mothers across all 50 states since 2020. Our editorial team regularly updates these guides by reviewing official government sources, contacting state agencies, and incorporating feedback from hundreds of single mothers who have used these programs.

This Vermont guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the benefits system. We verify information with official sources including Vermont Department for Children and Families, Vermont State Housing Authority, HUD, and local nonprofits to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official Vermont Department for Children and Families, Vermont State Housing Authority, HUD, and Community Action Agency sources. Last verified: August 2025.

The ASingleMother.org editorial team welcomes feedback on this guide. If you find outdated information or discover new resources, please contact us at info@asinglemother.org so we can help other single mothers with accurate, current information.

Disclaimer

Program details, income limits, and availability can change. This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Always verify current program requirements, application deadlines, and income limits with the relevant agency before applying. Funding for assistance programs is limited and not guaranteed to be available when you apply.

For the most current information, contact programs directly or speak with a HUD-approved housing counselor at (800) 569-4287.

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