This commentary is by Emilie Krasnow. She is a Democrat representing South Burlington’s Chittenden-9 district in the Vermont House of Representatives.
Vermont is facing a crisis of housing affordability and availability — a dire shortage that we must confront as a public health emergency.
At the latest count, 3,458 Vermonters are experiencing homelessness — a number that continues to rise. Many families face precarious living situations: They are living outdoors, relying on friends or family for a few days or weeks of shelter, or finding temporary help through the motel voucher program.
Each case of homelessness serves as a reminder of the urgency of this crisis. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about real people — families with children, seniors, and people with disabilities — who all deserve better. We can’t look away.
I’ve witnessed the harsh realities of housing instability, seeing individuals experiencing homelessness who have no choice but to sleep on a bench or in the woods. I meet young mothers at the South Burlington Food Shelf with kids who are shuffled between shelters, their eyes filled with worry about where they will sleep each night.
I’ve lost friends — people I learned to read with, individuals I played softball alongside — who fell into the cycle of homelessness. Their stories are etched in my heart, a constant reminder of what’s at stake. As a legislator, I’ve heard from many community members who echo these concerns, reinforcing the urgent need for action.
Many legislators have stepped up to address this crisis. The Vermont Legislature has made strides by investing in affordable housing and enacting zoning reform, funding emergency shelters, and supporting programs focused on mental health and substance use recovery. These efforts are a testament to our commitment, but we must do more.
I ran for the Legislature because I wanted to help solve the housing crisis in our community and throughout Vermont. As a member of the General and Housing Committee, I’m proud of the work our committee has done to consider the needs of a variety of the state’s residents, whether they are unhoused, first-time homeowners, or an older Vermonter.
One of the most important bills to come out of our committee last session both created and funded a long-term housing vision for Vermont. It was a concrete, 10-year plan to build and provide new housing and services for low- and moderate-income Vermonters, working hand-in-hand with land use reforms in the successful Act 250 bill. This bill passed the House but didn’t make it across the finish line. Still, it was a major step forward, and is exactly the type of leadership the legislature should pursue in the next biennium.
For several years, we have been strategically using American Rescue Plan Act funding to make deep investments in housing and housing services for low- and moderate-income Vermonters. This includes both perpetually affordable units and shorter-term programs like the Vermont Housing Improvement Program.
But the one-time federal pandemic funds are now gone, and to continue the momentum, we must use state dollars derived from tax revenue. This transition requires thought and consideration of what it means to invest state funds into housing, and what return we should expect.
One effective approach is the “housing first” model, which prioritizes stable housing before tackling other challenges. When individuals have a place to call home, they are more likely to engage with support services, leading to improved health outcomes and reduced reliance on emergency resources. This model not only addresses homelessness but also fosters healthier, more vibrant communities.
In the short term, we need to expand emergency shelter options and ensure access to healthcare, food, public transportation and support services for those in crisis. Tackling this issue is essential for helping our neighbors regain their footing and dignity.
We must also invest in long-term solutions. This includes building more affordable housing units and increasing access to mental health and substance use recovery services. Housing is not just a roof over one’s head; it’s a cornerstone of well-being for our communities.
To address this crisis, we must also work to increase the availability of housing units and remove barriers that hinder both public and private efforts to meet the demand. This means streamlining the development process, removing zoning and regulatory obstacles and incentivizing both public and private sectors to invest in affordable housing.
The link between housing instability and public health is undeniable. Individuals without stable housing are at greater risk for chronic illnesses and mental health issues, which ultimately strains our health care system. Investing in housing is not merely an act of compassion; it’s a sound economic strategy that benefits us all.
Moving forward, we must embrace a dual approach: immediate relief and sustainable long-term solutions. It’s time to recognize housing as a public health crisis and take decisive action to support our communities. We must remember that housing is not only an economic issue; it’s a fundamental human right, essential for the health and vitality of every Vermonter.
Let’s work together to ensure that everyone has a place to call home.
