This commentary is by Greg Lesch, executive director of the Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Commons recently reported that due to an aging population, a shortage of workers and a tight housing market, southern Vermont faces a severe labor shortage, with 18,000-20,000 jobs unfilled at any given time. Several weeks before that, VTDigger reported that Vermont may not meet its refugee resettlement goals this year because of the affordable housing shortage.
With foresight, planning, creativity and resources, the intersection of these issues — refugee resettlement, housing and jobs — has created a unique window for Vermont to support a thriving, diverse and growing society. Conversely, if we miss this opportunity, it could mean a precarious economic future for our state and our region.
Since 2022, World Learning, the Ethiopian Community Development Council and the Brattleboro Development Credit Corps have teamed with southern Vermont partners to bring more than 290 refugees to this region. In just a few short years, their impact on our communities is significant.
Ninety percent of the refugees who came to this region have chosen to settle here permanently, with 98% securing permanent housing within four months. Employment rates are also impressive: 83% of employable refugees have found jobs with more than 49 local businesses, contributing over $3.7 million in taxable wages, boosting our local economy and helping combat workforce shortages.
This increase in taxable wages translates to enhanced public services and infrastructure that benefit all Vermonters. The cycle of economic growth is further fueled as these New Vermonters spend their earnings locally, boosting retail, housing and service sectors.
World Learning’s Brattleboro campus is a key part of this success story. The campus provides a welcoming environment for refugees as they arrive in southern Vermont, fostering community engagement and cultural exchange. With its long history of educational excellence and global engagement, World Learning is uniquely positioned to provide cultural orientation and English language learning in a safe environment. As such, the campus is an ideal setting for such a project, promoting not only shelter but also educational opportunity, cultural exchange and community integration. In this context, state funding for transitional housing represents a strategic investment in our community, promising a substantial return for our region, both economically and socially.
By supporting a stable foundation for refugees as they transition into our community, the state is investing in a more dynamic, diverse and economically robust southern Vermont. This initiative aligns seamlessly with Vermont’s broader goals of stimulating economic development and reversing population decline. By welcoming refugees, we position ourselves as a forward-thinking, inclusive state, attractive to new residents and businesses. The ripple effect of this decision extends beyond the immediate benefits to refugees; it signals a commitment to growth, diversity and economic innovation.
Furthermore, the successful integration of refugees can serve as a model for other communities, positioning Vermont as a leader in addressing global challenges through local solutions. This leadership can attract additional federal funding, private investments and philanthropic contributions, further enhancing our community’s development.
The return on investment from state funding of refugee housing is not limited to economic metrics. The social and cultural enrichment that comes with a more diverse population fosters a richer, more vibrant community life. Our schools and communities benefit from increased diversity, local events reflect a broader range of cultural traditions, and residents gain a deeper global perspective. As Gov. Scott said in his recent State of the State address, incoming refugees are “… contributing to our communities, workforce and economy, while pursuing the American dream.”
State funding for temporary housing for refugees on the World Learning campus is more than a humanitarian gesture; it is a strategic investment in the future of southern Vermont. By supporting this initiative, we can stimulate economic growth, address labor shortages, enrich our cultural landscape and set an example of inclusive community development. Let’s seize this opportunity to demonstrate that in Brattleboro, and indeed all of Vermont, we recognize the intrinsic value and potential of every individual who seeks to call our state home.
