Housing Assistance Resources in Vermont
Last updated September 11, 2026
Vermont residents facing housing instability — whether due to eviction, unaffordable rent, homelessness, or unsafe living conditions — have access to a range of federal and state-supported programs. The best first step is almost always to call 2-1-1 Vermont (dial 2-1-1), a free, confidential helpline that connects callers to local emergency shelter, rental assistance, transitional housing programs, and more. Specialists are available around the clock and can help identify the right program based on your specific situation and location in the state.
Vermont's primary state agency overseeing housing and human services is the Vermont Agency of Human Services (AHS), which administers or coordinates many of the programs described below. For Vermonters experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their housing, the state's Continuum of Care network — funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) — connects people to coordinated intake and housing placement services. You can also visit HUD.gov or call HUD's resource locator to find HUD-approved housing counselors in Vermont who can provide free or low-cost advice on eviction prevention, mortgage delinquency, and tenant rights.
If your housing crisis is connected to domestic violence, a disability, veteran status, or another specific circumstance, specialized programs exist that may be easier to qualify for or faster to access. Scroll down for key programs and frequently asked questions, and remember that eligibility rules can change — always confirm current details directly with the program or through 2-1-1 Vermont.
Key programs in Vermont
2-1-1 Vermont
A free statewide helpline that connects Vermont residents to emergency shelter, rental assistance programs, utility help, food resources, and other social services. It is the fastest way to find housing resources tailored to your county or town.
How to access: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also search online at 211vt.org. Multilingual assistance is available.
HUD Continuum of Care (CoC) — Vermont
HUD funds a statewide network of homeless services providers in Vermont that use a coordinated entry system. This means there is a single, organized process to assess your housing needs and connect you to emergency shelter, transitional housing, or permanent supportive housing rather than requiring you to call multiple agencies separately.
How to access: Contact 2-1-1 Vermont to be connected to your regional coordinated entry point. You can also find HUD-approved housing counselors in Vermont at hud.gov/findacounselor or by calling HUD's hotline at 1-800-569-4287.
Vermont Agency of Human Services (AHS) — Economic Services Division
The state agency that administers financial assistance programs for low-income Vermonters, including Reach Up (temporary cash assistance), and coordinates access to federally funded rental and housing support. They can also connect eligible residents to SNAP, Medicaid, and other benefits that free up household income for housing costs.
How to access: Apply online at mybenefits.vt.gov, visit your local Department for Children and Families (DCF) district office, or call the Economic Services hotline. 2-1-1 Vermont can also direct you to the right local office.
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) — Vermont
While primarily an energy assistance program, LIHEAP helps Vermont households afford heating costs, which can prevent the kind of financial strain that leads to eviction or housing loss. Keeping utility costs down is a recognized form of indirect housing stabilization.
How to access: Vermont's LIHEAP is administered through the Department for Children and Families. Apply at mybenefits.vt.gov or call 2-1-1 Vermont to be connected to your local Community Action Agency, which often processes LIHEAP applications.
VA Homeless Veterans Programs — White River Junction VA Medical Center
Vermont veterans experiencing homelessness or housing instability can access HUD-VASH (Housing and Urban Development–VA Supportive Housing) vouchers, which combine rental assistance with VA case management. The VA also funds outreach, transitional housing, and rapid rehousing services for veterans.
How to access: Contact the White River Junction VA Medical Center, which serves as Vermont's primary VA facility, at 1-866-687-8387. Veterans can also call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838), available 24/7.
Housing Assistance resources for Vermont
Champlain Housing Trust
HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).
Downstreet Housing And Community Development, Inc.
HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).
211 Housing & Shelter
NationwideLocal shelter, rental, and housing assistance referrals. Dial 211.
National Low Income Housing Coalition
NationwideResources and local referrals for affordable housing and rental assistance.
Other resources in Vermont
- Food Assistance in Vermont
- Utility Assistance in Vermont
- Transportation Assistance in Vermont
- Funeral & End-of-Life Assistance in Vermont
- Mental Health Resources in Vermont
- Domestic Violence Resources in Vermont
- Disability Resources in Vermont
- Veteran Resources in Vermont
- Child & Family Assistance in Vermont
- Senior Resources in Vermont