Last updated: October 29, 2026
Bottom line
Vermont has real housing help, but no single program covers every need. Start with the most urgent problem: shelter, back rent, lower-cost housing, utilities, legal help, or homeownership.
If you have nowhere safe to sleep, call the Department for Children and Families (DCF) Emergency Housing line at 1-800-775-0506, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Since September 1, 2026, Vermont 211 cannot approve state-funded motel rooms after hours. Call 2-1-1 for local shelters and other help, including nights and weekends. If you owe rent, contact Community Action and legal aid early. The statewide Rental Arrears Eviction Prevention Program stopped taking new applications on April 1, 2026.
For help beyond housing, ASMOM’s Vermont help guide covers food, cash, health, child care, and other support that may reduce pressure on your rent.
If you need housing help today
- No safe place tonight: Call DCF Emergency Housing at 1-800-775-0506 during weekday office hours (8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.). Ask for a Vermont Homelessness Response Continuum screening. A motel room is not guaranteed the same day. At night or on weekends, call 2-1-1 for local shelters and other safe options; 211 cannot issue motel vouchers.
- Need a shelter referral: Read Vermont 211’s service update and call 2-1-1 (usually 8 a.m.–10 p.m. daily) to ask about open shelters and other help. Do not use email or text to apply for a state motel room.
- Eviction papers arrived: Use the Vermont eviction guide and ask for legal help right away. A pending rent-help request does not cancel a court date.
- Violence or stalking: Call 911 for immediate danger. The Vermont Network help page lists the statewide domestic violence hotline at 1-800-228-7395 and sexual violence hotline at 1-800-489-7273.
If someone may watch your phone or internet use, contact an advocate from a safer device when possible. ASMOM’s Vermont safety guide has more careful support paths.
What changed in 2026
September 1: Vermont began the motel and hotel part of its new Vermont Homelessness Response Continuum (VHRC). DCF now handles applications during weekday hours; 211 no longer issues state motel vouchers after hours. Motel stays are generally limited to 70 nights in a household’s one-year period, with special rules for winter stays and extensions. See the official VHRC instructions.
2026–27 fuel season: DCF has posted updated monthly income guidelines for heating help and utility discounts. Households facing a heating crisis may also qualify for seasonal Crisis Fuel Assistance. Check the current income chart before applying.
What has not reopened: The VSHA Housing Choice Voucher list is still closed to most new applicants, while its project-based list remains open. The statewide Rental Arrears Eviction Prevention Program remains closed to new applications.
Where to start in Vermont
Vermont housing help is spread across several agencies. You may need to use more than one path at the same time.
No place to sleep
Call DCF Emergency Housing first. Then call 211 for shelter and local resources. Ask for the Coordinated Entry lead agency serving your county.
Behind on rent
Call Community Action, get a written rent ledger from your landlord, and contact legal aid before court. ASMOM’s emergency rent guide explains other rent-help steps.
Need lower rent
Apply for project-based housing, public housing, nonprofit rentals, and any open voucher list. Keep every application updated.
Other bills are rising
Apply for food, child care, health, fuel, and transport help too. Lowering other costs may make a housing plan more workable.
For a wider housing overview, use ASMOM’s national housing guide while you contact Vermont programs.
Quick reference table
| Your situation | Best first step | Important reality |
|---|---|---|
| No safe place tonight | DCF on weekdays; 211 for other shelter referrals | 211 cannot issue motel vouchers after hours; rooms are not guaranteed. |
| Homeless or nearly homeless | Coordinated Entry lead agency | An assessment is not a promise of housing. |
| Back rent or eviction risk | Community Action and legal aid | The statewide arrears program closed to new applications on April 1, 2026. |
| Need Section 8 | VSHA and local authorities | The VSHA Housing Choice Voucher list is closed, but other lists may differ. |
| Need an affordable apartment | Rental directory and properties | Each property manages its own vacancies and waiting list. |
| Need fuel help | DCF and Community Action | Seasonal fuel applications are accepted year-round; crisis fuel is seasonal. |
| Eviction or discrimination | VTLawHelp and fair housing help | Deadlines can be short, so ask early. |
Emergency housing in Vermont
Vermont created the Vermont Homelessness Response Continuum (VHRC) under Act 143 in July 2026. The hotel and motel part, called Level 4, began on September 1, 2026. Other levels—prevention, different kinds of shelters, and more housing supports—will be added in phases. The current emergency housing guide explains the rules and appeals.
For motel housing, call DCF at 1-800-775-0506 on weekdays, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. You may also apply at a DCF district office or send paperwork through DCF’s document uploader. Since September 1, Vermont 211 no longer handles after-hours state motel applications. It can still help find community shelters and other resources.
How to apply now
Tell DCF where you slept last night, who lives with you, and if you are at risk of losing housing. Mention children, pregnancy, disability, serious illness, violence, stalking, trafficking, or eviction. DCF asks for an application, an initial assessment, health-and-safety information, and a housing plan. You may need a separate HOU-SING assessment before a room is offered. Ask what happens if no room is open or if your family is placed on a waitlist.
Who may be prioritized
Households may get priority if a member is 65 or older, has a disability, is under 18, is pregnant, is facing domestic or dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, trafficking, or another life-threatening condition, or is under certain court-ordered or constructive evictions. DCF also assesses health and safety risk. Priority is not a promise of a room. Ask for a reasonable accommodation if you have a disability or health need.
What the program requires
Applicants must meet Vermont residency and housing-need rules. A household receiving a room is expected to have a housing plan and take part in case management. If a worker is not yet available, DCF says you can make a temporary housing plan on your own. Keep copies of notices and a record of steps you take. If you have trouble completing a task because of a disability, ask for an accommodation.
Current motel limits and exceptions
Since September 1, 2026, motel or hotel stays are generally capped at 70 nights during a household’s one-year period. Stays from December 1 to March 31 do not count toward that cap. Vermont has a statewide limit of 700 rooms from April through November and 1,000 from December through March. Do not assume your 70 nights reset on September 1 if you had prior stays. Ask for a written count of used and remaining nights.
You can request more nights if you are waiting for housing or treatment, need a room for medical reasons, have a disability and no suitable accessible alternative, or would face an imminent health or safety risk if the stay ended. Use DCF’s extension form and include your housing plan. Request help before your current stay ends. DCF decides whether an exception applies.
Shelter and Coordinated Entry
Coordinated Entry is Vermont’s local assessment and referral system for people who are homeless or at risk. It may connect a household with housing navigation, shelter, rapid rehousing, or supportive housing.
Use the Coordinated Entry leads page to find the agency serving your county. If you need somewhere to stay tonight, call 211 first and use the current shelter list as a backup. Openings can change during the day.
Reality check: Coordinated Entry is not a statewide waiting list and does not guarantee a voucher, room, or apartment. Complete the assessment, keep your contact details current, and ask what housing-search work you must do while waiting.
Ask your local lead agency: “Do you have family shelter, a waitlist, rapid rehousing, a deposit fund, or help making a housing plan?” If you are already in a motel, ask whether the shelter offered is safe and accessible for your household. Do not assume that every town has a family-sized room.
Rent help and eviction prevention
Vermont’s five Community Action agencies provide housing navigation. Current help may include back rent, deposits, short-term rent support, utilities, or referrals.
Use the local Community Action agency finder and give the worker your county, household size, rent balance, eviction status, income, and move-in needs. ASMOM’s Community Action guide explains what these agencies often do.
The Vermont State Housing Authority’s Rental Arrears Eviction Prevention Program is not taking new applications. The VSHA closure notice says applications closed at the end of April 1, 2026, because the program had enough requests to use all available funds.
Reality check: Old Vermont Emergency Rental Assistance Program pages may still appear in search results, but pandemic-era VERAP is not a current open statewide application path. Ask Community Action, 211, your Coordinated Entry lead, or legal aid about help that is active now.
Do you have a pending arrears application? VSHA says it will keep working on applications filed before the April 1 closure, but payment is not promised. The official notice lists 802-828-3028 for program questions. If a landlord has filed a case, ask legal aid about your next court step even while an agency reviews aid.
Section 8, public housing, and affordable rentals
Housing Choice Vouchers help eligible households rent privately. Project-based help stays with a unit. Public housing and affordable properties use separate applications.
Vermont State Housing Authority
The Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA) Housing Choice Voucher waiting list closed on January 31, 2025 and is still listed as closed for general applications. Its project-based voucher waiting list remains open; a limited disaster preference may also apply to the HCV list. Check the VSHA waiting-list notices before applying. Local authorities and individual properties may have different openings.
VSHA uses an online application portal. Applying does not guarantee a voucher or apartment. Final eligibility is checked after selection from a waiting list.
Other housing authorities
VSHA is not Vermont’s only housing authority. Use the HUD authority finder to locate local agencies and ask about public housing, Housing Choice Vouchers, and project-based units.
Affordable rental properties
Use the Vermont rental directory to search subsidized and affordable properties. Contact each manager directly about rent, deposits, vacancies, bedroom sizes, screening, accessibility, pets, and how to join the waiting list. VHFA finances affordable housing but does not take rental applications, as its VHFA rental guide explains.
The subsidized housing guide explains the difference between vouchers, public housing, and project-based help. ASMOM’s Section 8 guide gives a national overview.
| Housing path | How it works | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Choice Voucher | The subsidy can move with the family when program rules allow. | Is the list open, and how do I update my application? |
| Project-based voucher | The subsidy stays with a specific unit or property. | Which properties can I select, and are their lists open? |
| Public housing | A housing authority owns or manages the rental. | Do you have family units and local preferences? |
| Affordable property | Rent and income rules depend on the property’s funding. | What are the rent, deposit, income limit, and screening rules? |
While waiting, ASMOM’s Vermont food guide and Vermont child care page may help lower other household costs.
Fuel, electric, and gas help
Vermont Seasonal Fuel Assistance helps pay heating costs for eligible renters and homeowners, even when heat is included in rent. New applications are accepted year-round. DCF’s 2026–27 gross monthly income limit is $4,212 for three people and $5,088 for four (185% of federal poverty guidelines). Household size and whose income counts matter. Use the DCF Fuel Assistance page to apply online, request a paper form at 1-800-479-6151, or visit a district office.
Crisis Fuel Assistance is for a qualifying household facing a heating emergency, such as running out of fuel without money to refill. DCF’s income limit is 200% of federal poverty guidelines, or $4,554 a month for three people and $5,500 for four for the 2026–27 season. Applications normally open the last Monday in November (November 30, 2026) and close in April, with different end dates for bulk and metered fuel. Call Community Action first. See DCF Crisis Fuel rules for after-hours assistance and exceptions. Do not wait for a shutoff or delivery to seek help.
Use the VCAP energy programs page to find fuel, weatherization, and local help. ASMOM’s Vermont utility guide lists more bill-help paths.
Utility discounts
Income-qualified Green Mountain Power customers may receive a 25% discount on the customer and energy charges through the GMP discount program. Qualified Vermont Gas residential customers may receive a 20% discount through the Vermont Gas discount. DCF decides income eligibility for these programs.
Reality check: Call the utility before a shutoff date. Applying for fuel or a discount does not always stop collection or disconnection work by itself.
Eviction, repairs, and fair housing help
If served with an eviction complaint: Vermont courts say a tenant generally has 21 days after service to file a written answer. A rent-into-court motion has a separate response process and may have a different deadline. The landlord cannot remove you or change locks without a court order. Use the Vermont court instructions, check your papers, and ask a lawyer about your exact deadline.
A landlord must use Vermont’s legal eviction process. Do not ignore a written notice, Summons and Complaint, rent-into-court request, or hearing date.
Use the Legal Help Tool to request screening by Legal Services Vermont and Vermont Legal Aid. People dealing with DCF emergency housing can also ask about the free emergency housing clinic. Appointments are limited.
Housing discrimination can involve unfair treatment because of children in the household, disability, race, national origin, sex, religion, age, marital status, gender identity, sexual orientation, receipt of public assistance, or other protected grounds. The fair housing help page provides information and referrals.
ASMOM’s Vermont legal guide has more civil legal resources. This article gives general information and is not legal advice.
Homebuyer and homeowner help
Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) offers mortgages through participating lenders. The VHFA buyer programs page lists ASSIST, a deferred 0% second loan of up to $10,000 for down payment and closing costs, and a $15,000 First Generation Homebuyer grant that does not need to be repaid. The grant is available only while funds last. Both require an eligible VHFA mortgage. First-time homebuyer rules, household assets, income, home price, lender approval and other conditions apply. The programs may be combined if you qualify.
The VHFA buyer programs page lists ASSIST as a deferred 0% second mortgage of up to $10,000. It also lists a $15,000 First Generation Homebuyer grant for eligible borrowers while funds last. Both must be paired with a VHFA mortgage, and detailed income, first-time buyer, asset, and property rules apply.
ASMOM’s Vermont homebuyer guide explains these options in more detail. If you already own a home and are behind, contact your mortgage servicer and a HUD-approved housing counselor before a foreclosure deadline is close.
Documents to gather
Do not delay an emergency call while you search for every paper. Start the request, explain what you have, and ask what can be provided later or replaced with another form of proof.
| What to gather | Examples | Why it may matter |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Photo ID, passport, Tribal ID | Shows who is applying. |
| Household members | Birth records, school records, custody papers | Shows children and other people in the home. |
| Income | Pay stubs, benefit letters, support records | Used for income limits and rent calculations. |
| Housing | Lease, landlord details, rent ledger | Shows the rental terms and amount owed. |
| Emergency | Eviction notice, court papers, shelter statement | Shows why help is needed now. |
| Utilities | Fuel bill, account number, shutoff notice | Needed for fuel and utility programs. |
| Special needs | Pregnancy, disability, medical, or safety proof | May support priority or an accommodation request. |
| Application records | Case numbers, emails, screenshots, call notes | Helps track deadlines and follow-up. |
Use ASMOM’s documents checklist to build one folder. Keep copies and update every agency if your phone, email, address, income, or household changes.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Relying on old rent programs. The statewide rent-arrears program is closed, and VERAP is not a current open program.
- Waiting only for Section 8. Use shelter, rent help, legal aid, utility help, and property lists at the same time.
- Missing a message. Housing programs may remove applicants who do not respond or update contact details.
- Ignoring court papers. Financial help and the court case move on separate tracks.
- Paying for a fake list. No one can guarantee a voucher, emergency room, or priority placement for a fee.
- Not asking for an accommodation. Tell the program if disability, language, pregnancy, or another need makes its normal process hard to use.
If help is denied, delayed, or closed
Ask for the decision in writing. Check the reason, date, missing documents, appeal rights, and deadline. Write down the name of every worker you speak with.
For DCF emergency housing, the general deadline to ask the Human Services Board for a fair hearing is 60 days after written notice. Call 802-828-2536 or ask Economic Services to send your hearing request. If you are already receiving motel housing and want your help to continue while you appeal, request the hearing within 14 days of receiving the notice and clearly ask for continued services. There are exceptions, including safety risks; continuation is not the same as a promise of an available room. Act fast and check the notice. The Legal Help Tool can screen requests for free legal help.
If a rent fund is closed, ask Community Action and Coordinated Entry about Housing Opportunity Program funds, deposits, prevention, rapid rehousing, or other local help. ASMOM’s denied benefits guide can help you organize the next steps.
Backup steps while you wait
- Ask your child’s school for the McKinney-Vento liaison if your family is in a motel, shelter, car, or doubled up because of housing loss.
- Ask a landlord whether a written payment plan is possible while verified aid is pending.
- Apply to properties in more than one town if work, school, care, and transport make the move realistic.
- Use the HUD resource locator to search for housing and homelessness services.
ASMOM’s Vermont transportation guide may help with travel to shelters, work, court, or housing appointments.
If you find an apartment but need a bed, kitchen supplies, or basic household items, check ASMOM’s Vermont furniture help guide. Ask each provider about stock, delivery, referral rules, and whether you need an address or proof of a new lease.
Phone scripts
Calling DCF Emergency Housing
Hello, I am in Vermont and do not have a safe place to sleep tonight. My household includes _____. I last slept at _____. Can you screen me for emergency housing and tell me what proof or next steps you need today?
Calling 211
Hello, I need housing help in _____ County. I need shelter tonight, rent help, or Coordinated Entry. Which programs serve my town, and which phone numbers should I call now?
Calling Community Action
Hello, I am behind on rent or need move-in help. My rent balance is _____ and my deadline is _____. Are housing navigation, back-rent, deposit, or Housing Opportunity Program funds available?
Calling a housing authority
Hello, I want to apply for family housing. Which public housing, project-based, or voucher lists are open, and how do I update my contact information after applying?
Resumen en español
Si no tiene un lugar seguro para dormir, llame a DCF Emergency Housing al 1-800-775-0506, de lunes a viernes de 8 a. m. a 4:30 p. m. Desde el 1 de septiembre de 2026, el servicio 211 ya no entrega vales estatales para moteles después de horas. Puede llamar al 2-1-1 para buscar refugios y otros servicios locales. Si debe renta, pida ayuda a Community Action y a un servicio legal.
El programa de moteles suele tener un límite de 70 noches durante el período de elegibilidad, con reglas distintas para el invierno y posibles excepciones. Pida una decisión por escrito. Si pierde ayuda de DCF, el plazo general de apelación es de 60 días; si ya recibe ayuda y quiere pedir que continúe durante la apelación, actúe dentro de 14 días. El programa estatal Rental Arrears Eviction Prevention cerró las solicitudes nuevas el 1 de abril de 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Can single mothers get emergency housing in Vermont?
Possibly. DCF checks if your household meets the rules and uses an assessment to decide who gets a motel room when space is limited. Call 1-800-775-0506 on weekdays, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Approval does not mean a room is open today.
What changed for motel housing on September 1, 2026?
The new VHRC motel rules took effect. DCF now takes state motel applications during weekday hours, 211 stopped after-hours motel intake, and a 70-night limit generally applies outside winter. Ask DCF about extensions and a housing plan.
Is Section 8 open in Vermont?
VSHA’s general Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is closed, but its project-based voucher waiting list remains open. Local authority and property lists may differ. Check each official application page.
Can Vermont help with back rent?
Community Action agencies may have local rent, deposit, or housing-navigation help. VSHA closed new Rental Arrears Eviction Prevention Program applications on April 1, 2026, but continues to process older requests without guaranteeing payment.
What should I do after getting eviction papers?
Call legal aid promptly. Read every notice and court paper and keep court dates. You can also seek rent help, but an application does not automatically stop eviction proceedings.
Can I apply for several housing programs?
Yes. You can usually apply to multiple housing authorities, project-based lists, and properties. Keep each one updated with your phone, email, household size, and income changes.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.
Last updated: October 29, 2026 Next review: January 27, 2027