Rutland Mental Health Services and the Welcome Home Program Partnership to help the chronically homeless

The WELCOME HOME PROGRAM is an effective partnership between the Homeless Prevention Center & Rutland Mental Health Services that would not exist without services funded by the VT Dept. of Mental Health, as well as federal housing subsidies (VSHA CoC Shelter+Care Program).

Due to the ongoing success of the Welcome Home Program, chronic homelessness in Rutland County declined by 36% in four years.

(2017 = 8, 2016 = 5, 2015 = 13, 2014 = 22)

*Chronic homelessness is defined as a household with at least one person with a disability who has been literally homeless (streets/shelters) for at least 12 months.

During the January 2014 Point-in-Time Count of the Homeless, Rutland County had the highest number of chronically homeless persons (22) in the entire VT Balance of State CoC (all VT counties except Chittenden).  The 2017 PIT showed chronic homelessness in Rutland County at a distant 3rd place, thanks to the Welcome Home Program, behind Washington & Windham Counties.

Keep up the excellent work!!!

Cheers,

Daniel Blankenship

Homeless Grants Administrator

“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery

VERMONT STATE HOUSING AUTHORITY

1 Prospect Street, Montpelier, VT 05602

Direct:  (802) 828-0294 * Office:  (802) 828-3295 * Fax: (802) 828-2111

Email:  daniel@vsha.org * Website:  www.vsha.org