If you’re homeless or about to lose your housing in Vermont tonight, hotel vouchers are available — and you may qualify right now. Vermont is a small state, but it has a remarkably robust homeless assistance network — including one of the most generous motel voucher programs of any state in the nation — with government agencies, nonprofits, and emergency programs that can place you in a safe motel or hotel room while you work toward stable housing.
This guide covers every Vermont-specific program, how to apply, who qualifies, and what to do if you need help immediately.
Hotel Vouchers for Homeless in Vermont — Quick Answer
Yes, hotel vouchers for homeless individuals are available in Vermont through the Vermont Agency of Human Services (AHS), the Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA), the Vermont Motel Voucher Program (administered through the Department for Children and Families), local Community Action Agencies, the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and other nonprofits. The fastest way to access one is to dial 211, which connects you to local emergency housing resources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Who Provides Hotel Vouchers in Vermont?
Several organizations in Vermont can provide emergency hotel or motel vouchers:
Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF) — Vermont DCF, within the Agency of Human Services, administers the state’s Motel Voucher Program — one of the most extensive state-funded motel voucher programs in the country. DCF also manages TANF (3SquaresVT) and other emergency assistance programs. Visit dcf.vermont.gov.
Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA) — VSHA manages Vermont’s state housing programs and distributes federal ESG and HOME funds to local nonprofits providing emergency shelter including hotel and motel placements. Visit vsha.org.
Vermont 211 — Dialing 211 connects you with a trained operator who can identify the nearest hotel voucher program with available funds in your specific county or town. Vermont’s 211 covers all 14 counties.
Community Action Agencies (CAAs) — Vermont has Community Action Agencies serving regions across the state. These federally funded organizations are among the most reliable providers of emergency hotel and motel vouchers.
Salvation Army Vermont — The Salvation Army operates in Burlington and other communities and regularly provides emergency motel vouchers for individuals and families in crisis.
Catholic Charities Vermont (Diocese of Burlington) — Provides emergency housing assistance regardless of religion or background, serving communities across Vermont.
American Red Cross Vermont — If your housing crisis results from a flood, ice storm, or other disaster, the Red Cross can arrange immediate hotel accommodations at no cost. Vermont experienced catastrophic flooding in 2023 — one of its worst flood events in modern history.
Local churches and faith-based organizations — Many Vermont churches — from Burlington and Montpelier congregations to small rural community churches — maintain emergency funds specifically for hotel and motel vouchers.
Who Qualifies for Emergency Hotel Vouchers in Vermont?
Eligibility varies by program, but most Vermont hotel voucher programs give priority to:
- Individuals and families who are currently homeless (sleeping outside, in a vehicle, or in an unsafe location)
- People facing imminent eviction within 24–72 hours
- Families with children — prioritized by most Vermont programs
- Elderly individuals (60 and older)
- People with disabilities or serious health conditions
- Domestic violence survivors — most Vermont programs fast-track DV cases
- Veterans experiencing homelessness
- Disaster survivors displaced by floods, ice storms, or severe storms — Vermont experienced catastrophic flooding in July 2023 that devastated communities including Montpelier, Barre, Ludlow, and many others
- Individuals exposed to Vermont’s harsh winters — Vermont has some of the most severe winters in the contiguous United States, with subzero temperatures and heavy snowfall common from November through March
Vermont has made an extraordinary commitment to housing its homeless population. The state’s Motel Voucher Program — which provides state-funded motel stays for homeless families and individuals — is one of the most expansive of its kind in the nation. During COVID-19, Vermont dramatically expanded its motel voucher program, and the state has continued significant investment in emergency housing. Vermont also has one of the highest per-capita refugee populations of any U.S. state, and several organizations serve newcomers and immigrants facing housing instability. You do not necessarily need a photo ID to receive assistance in Vermont, though having one speeds up the process.
How to Get a Hotel Voucher in Vermont (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Call 211
Dial 2-1-1 from any phone — it’s free. Tell the operator: “I need emergency shelter or a hotel voucher tonight in Vermont.” Operators are available 24/7 and can connect you with the nearest program that has funding available in your county. Vermont’s 211 covers all 14 counties.
Step 2: Apply for Vermont’s Motel Voucher Program Through DCF
Vermont’s Department for Children and Families (DCF) administers the state’s Motel Voucher Program, which provides state-funded motel stays for homeless individuals and families. This is one of the most direct and generous state-funded hotel voucher programs in the nation. Apply at your local DCF district office or contact DCF’s Economic Services Division.
Contact: dcf.vermont.gov | 800-479-6151
DCF District Offices:
- Burlington (Chittenden County): 802-863-7400
- St. Johnsbury (Caledonia/Essex): 802-748-5151
- Newport (Orleans/Essex): 802-334-6747
- St. Albans (Franklin/Grand Isle): 802-524-6581
- Morrisville (Lamoille): 802-888-4576
- Barre (Washington): 802-479-4200
- Montpelier (Washington): 802-828-2229
- White River Junction (Orange/Windsor): 802-295-8820
- Springfield (Windsor): 802-885-4567
- Bennington (Bennington): 802-447-2371
- Brattleboro (Windham): 802-258-4550
- Rutland (Rutland): 802-786-5800
- Middlebury (Addison): 802-388-4260
Step 3: Contact Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA)
VSHA funds emergency shelter and housing programs across Vermont and can direct you to ESG-funded hotel voucher providers in your region.
Contact: vsha.org | 802-828-3295
Step 4: Reach Out to a Community Action Agency
Vermont’s Community Action Agencies serve regions across the state and often have emergency motel voucher funds available same-day. Key agencies include:
- Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) — Burlington / Chittenden County
- Central Vermont Community Action Council (CVCAC) — Barre / Washington County and central Vermont
- Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA) — Brattleboro / Windham and Windsor counties
- Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA) — St. Johnsbury / Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties
- Addison County Community Action Group — Middlebury / Addison County
- Rutland Community Action — Rutland County
- Bennington-Rutland Opportunity Council (BROC) — Bennington and Rutland counties
Call 211 for the Community Action Agency serving your specific county.
Step 5: Contact the Salvation Army
The Salvation Army provides emergency motel vouchers in Vermont:
- Burlington: 802-862-9788
- Rutland: 802-775-3835
- Barre/Montpelier: 802-476-6757
Step 6: Contact Catholic Charities Vermont
Catholic Charities Diocese of Burlington provides emergency housing assistance to anyone in need regardless of faith, with offices across Vermont.
Contact: 802-658-6110 | ccvt.org
Vermont Government Programs for Emergency Housing
Vermont Motel Voucher Program — DCF
Vermont’s Motel Voucher Program is the state’s most direct route to emergency hotel assistance for homeless individuals and families. Administered by DCF’s Economic Services Division, this program provides state-funded motel stays for homeless Vermonters who meet eligibility criteria. Vermont’s investment in this program is among the most generous of any U.S. state on a per-capita basis.
Contact: dcf.vermont.gov | 800-479-6151 | Your local DCF district office
Reach Up — Vermont’s TANF Program
Reach Up is Vermont’s TANF program and provides cash assistance and support for eligible families with children, which can cover emergency housing costs including temporary motel stays. Apply at your local DCF district office.
Contact: dcf.vermont.gov | 800-479-6151
Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA)
VSHA manages Vermont’s affordable housing programs and distributes federal ESG and HOME funds to local service providers. They are the primary funder of emergency shelter and hotel voucher programs statewide.
Contact: vsha.org | 802-828-3295
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) — Vermont
Vermont receives federal ESG funding from HUD, distributed through VSHA to local homeless service providers. ESG funds can cover emergency shelter including hotel stays when traditional shelter beds are unavailable.
Contact: VSHA at vsha.org
Vermont’s Flood Recovery Housing Programs
Following the catastrophic July 2023 flooding that devastated communities across Vermont — including Montpelier, Barre, Johnson, Ludlow, and dozens of others — Vermont established dedicated flood recovery housing programs. If you were displaced by the 2023 floods or subsequent flood events, contact Vermont Emergency Management and VSHA for dedicated flood recovery housing assistance.
Contact: Vermont Emergency Management: 800-347-0488 | vem.vermont.gov
HUD Continuum of Care — Vermont CoC Programs
Vermont operates as a single statewide Continuum of Care — similar to Rhode Island — coordinated by the Vermont Coalition to End Homelessness (VCEH). This unified structure means resources are coordinated statewide rather than fragmented by county.
Contact: VCEH at 802-652-4166 | vceh.org
Vermont Coalition to End Homelessness (VCEH)
VCEH coordinates Vermont’s statewide CoC, advocates for homeless individuals, and connects people with emergency housing resources including hotel vouchers across the state.
Contact: 802-652-4166 | vceh.org
FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA)
If you’ve been displaced by a presidentially declared disaster in Vermont — such as the catastrophic 2023 flooding or a major ice storm — FEMA’s TSA program can place you in a participating hotel or motel at no cost.
Apply: disasterassistance.gov | 1-800-621-3362
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) — Vermont
Homeless Vermont veterans have dedicated resources through the VA. VA social workers can often arrange emergency hotel stays while longer-term housing is arranged.
Vermont VA Locations:
- White River Junction VA Medical Center: 802-295-9363
- Burlington VA Clinic: 802-657-7000
- Rutland VA Clinic: 802-773-3386
- St. Johnsbury VA Clinic: 802-748-0400
- Bennington VA Clinic: 802-440-3300
- Brattleboro VA Clinic: 802-251-2200
National Veterans Homeless Hotline: 1-877-424-3838 (24/7)
Nonprofit Organizations Offering Hotel Vouchers in Vermont
Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) — Burlington
CVOEO is the Community Action Agency serving Chittenden County and provides emergency housing assistance including motel voucher connections for individuals and families in the Burlington metro area.
Contact: 802-660-3455 | cvoeo.org
Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS) — Burlington
COTS is one of Burlington’s primary homeless service organizations, providing emergency shelter, street outreach, and hotel voucher connections for homeless individuals and families in Chittenden County.
Contact: 802-864-7402 | cotsvt.org
Salvation Army Vermont
With locations in Burlington, Rutland, and Barre/Montpelier, the Salvation Army provides emergency motel vouchers for individuals and families across Vermont.
Website: salvationarmy.org
Catholic Charities Vermont (Diocese of Burlington)
Provides emergency housing assistance and hotel voucher referrals regardless of faith background, with offices across Vermont.
Contact: 802-658-6110 | ccvt.org
Spectrum Youth and Family Services — Burlington
Spectrum provides emergency shelter and hotel voucher connections specifically for homeless youth and young adults in Burlington and Chittenden County.
Contact: 802-864-7423 | spectrumvt.org
Central Vermont Community Action Council (CVCAC) — Barre
CVCAC serves Washington County and surrounding areas in central Vermont and provides emergency assistance including hotel voucher connections for individuals and families in the Barre and Montpelier area.
Contact: 802-479-1053 | cvcac.org
Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA) — Brattleboro
SEVCA serves Windham and Windsor counties in southeastern Vermont and provides emergency assistance including hotel voucher connections for individuals and families in the Brattleboro and Springfield areas.
Contact: 802-722-4575 | sevca.org
Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA) — St. Johnsbury
NEKCA serves Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties in Vermont’s remote Northeast Kingdom and provides emergency assistance including hotel voucher connections for individuals and families in one of Vermont’s most rural and economically challenged regions.
Contact: 802-748-3181 | nekca.org
Capstone Community Action — Barre
Capstone Community Action provides emergency housing assistance and connections to hotel voucher programs for homeless individuals and families in Washington and Lamoille counties in central Vermont.
Contact: 802-479-1053 | capstonevt.org
Groundworks Collaborative — Brattleboro
Groundworks Collaborative provides emergency food, shelter, and hotel voucher connections for homeless individuals and families in Windham County and the Brattleboro area.
Contact: 802-257-0361 | groundworksvt.org
Turning Point Center — Barre and Statewide
Turning Point Centers across Vermont provide recovery support services and connections to emergency housing including hotel vouchers for individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. Vermont has been significantly impacted by the opioid crisis.
Contact: 802-479-7373 (Barre) | turningpointvt.org
American Red Cross — Vermont
The Red Cross assists people displaced by Vermont’s floods, ice storms, and severe storms. If your homelessness stems from a disaster — including the historic 2023 flooding — the Red Cross can arrange immediate hotel accommodations.
Contact: 1-800-733-2767 | redcross.org
Emergency Housing Help by City and Region in Vermont
Burlington / Chittenden County
Burlington is Vermont’s largest city and has the state’s primary concentration of homeless services. Key resources include:
- Burlington 211: Dial 211
- COTS: 802-864-7402
- CVOEO: 802-660-3455
- Spectrum (youth): 802-864-7423
- Salvation Army Burlington: 802-862-9788
- Catholic Charities Burlington: 802-658-6110
- DCF Burlington: 802-863-7400
Barre / Montpelier / Washington County
Vermont’s capital region was among the hardest hit by the 2023 floods:
- Barre/Montpelier 211: Dial 211
- CVCAC / Capstone: 802-479-1053
- Salvation Army Barre: 802-476-6757
- Turning Point Barre: 802-479-7373
- DCF Barre: 802-479-4200
- DCF Montpelier: 802-828-2229
Rutland / Rutland County
- Rutland 211: Dial 211
- BROC Community Action: 802-775-0878
- Salvation Army Rutland: 802-775-3835
- Rutland Area Visiting Nurses and Hospice (emergency referrals): 802-773-1511
- DCF Rutland: 802-786-5800
Brattleboro / Windham County
- Brattleboro 211: Dial 211
- Groundworks Collaborative: 802-257-0361
- SEVCA: 802-722-4575
- DCF Brattleboro: 802-258-4550
White River Junction / Upper Valley (Windsor/Orange Counties)
- White River Junction 211: Dial 211
- SEVCA Upper Valley: 802-295-8820
- Listen Community Services: 603-448-4553
- DCF White River Junction: 802-295-8820
St. Johnsbury / Northeast Kingdom
Vermont’s most remote region has unique housing challenges with limited resources:
- St. Johnsbury 211: Dial 211
- NEKCA: 802-748-3181
- DCF St. Johnsbury: 802-748-5151
- NEK Council on Aging (elderly resources): 802-748-5182
Middlebury / Addison County
- Middlebury 211: Dial 211
- Addison County Community Action Group: 802-388-2285
- DCF Middlebury: 802-388-4260
Bennington / Bennington County
- Bennington 211: Dial 211
- BROC Community Action Bennington: 802-442-6934
- Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (emergency referrals): 802-442-6361
- DCF Bennington: 802-447-2371
What to Do After Your Hotel Voucher Runs Out
A hotel voucher is a bridge — not a permanent solution. While you have temporary shelter, take these steps toward stable housing:
Connect with a case manager. Ask the organization that gave you the voucher to assign you a case manager. Because Vermont operates a single statewide CoC, case managers can navigate the entire state’s housing system on your behalf. Vermont’s small size is an advantage — services are more accessible than in larger states.
Apply for Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) in Vermont. RRH programs provide short-term rental assistance and support to help you move from homelessness into housing quickly. Contact VCEH, your local Community Action Agency, or dial 211 to find RRH programs available in your area.
Get on the Section 8 waitlist. The Housing Choice Voucher program provides long-term rental assistance. Contact VSHA at vsha.org or your local housing authority to apply. Vermont’s housing market is extremely tight — apply as early as possible.
Apply for Vermont Emergency Rental Assistance. Contact VSHA at vsha.org or dial 211 to ask about current rental assistance programs available in your county.
Look into transitional housing. Organizations like COTS, Groundworks Collaborative, CVCAC, SEVCA, NEKCA, and the Salvation Army offer transitional housing programs across Vermont with support services to help you build long-term stability.
Apply for benefits you may qualify for. If you haven’t already, apply for 3SquaresVT (Vermont’s SNAP), Vermont Medicaid (Green Mountain Care), and Reach Up (TANF) at your local DCF district office or at mybenefits.vermont.gov or benefits.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a hotel voucher in Vermont tonight?
Call 211 right now. Operators are available 24/7 and can connect you with emergency hotel voucher programs in Vermont. You should also contact your local DCF district office directly — Vermont’s Motel Voucher Program is one of the most generous state-funded hotel voucher programs in the nation. In Burlington, contact COTS at 802-864-7402. Statewide DCF contact: 800-479-6151.
What is Vermont’s Motel Voucher Program?
Vermont’s Motel Voucher Program is administered by the Department for Children and Families (DCF) and provides state-funded motel stays for homeless individuals and families who meet eligibility criteria. Vermont’s investment in this program is among the most generous in the nation on a per-capita basis. To apply, contact your local DCF district office or call 800-479-6151.
What is Reach Up in Vermont?
Reach Up is Vermont’s TANF program, providing cash assistance and support services for eligible families with children. Reach Up can help cover emergency housing costs including motel stays. Apply at your local DCF district office or at mybenefits.vermont.gov.
Are hotel vouchers available after the 2023 Vermont floods?
Yes. The July 2023 flooding was one of Vermont’s worst flood disasters in modern history, devastating Montpelier, Barre, Johnson, Ludlow, Morrisville, and dozens of other communities. FEMA’s TSA program, Vermont Emergency Management (800-347-0488), and VSHA all have dedicated flood recovery housing resources. If you were displaced by flooding, contact Vermont Emergency Management immediately.
Does Vermont have emergency housing during winter?
Yes. Vermont winters are among the most severe in the contiguous United States — subzero temperatures, heavy snowfall, and dangerous ice storms are common from November through March. Emergency housing is treated as a life-safety issue. Vermont’s Motel Voucher Program is specifically designed to ensure no one is left without shelter during dangerous weather. Dial 211 immediately for current shelter and warming center information.
Does Vermont DCF provide hotel vouchers?
Yes. Vermont DCF administers the state’s Motel Voucher Program — one of the most generous in the nation. Contact your local DCF district office directly or call 800-479-6151 to apply.
Are there hotel vouchers for refugees and newcomers in Vermont?
Yes. Vermont has one of the highest per-capita refugee populations in the nation. Catholic Charities Vermont (802-658-6110) and the Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program (USCRI Vermont) provide housing assistance for refugees and newcomers. Dial 211 and ask about immigration-inclusive emergency housing programs in your area.
Can I get a hotel voucher without an ID in Vermont?
Many programs will still help you without a photo ID, though having one speeds up the process. If you’ve lost your ID — especially after flooding — ask your caseworker or local DCF district office about emergency identification assistance.
Are there hotel vouchers for homeless veterans in Vermont?
Yes. Contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-424-3838 (24/7) or the White River Junction VA Medical Center at 802-295-9363. VA social workers can often arrange emergency hotel stays same-day for veterans in crisis.
Are there hotel vouchers for domestic violence survivors in Vermont?
Yes. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (24/7) or the Vermont Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-228-7395 (24/7) for immediate safe housing assistance.
What if there are no hotel vouchers available in my area?
If vouchers are unavailable, ask about shelter beds or warming centers during winter. In Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom and other remote rural areas, contact NEKCA (802-748-3181), local churches, or dial the National Homeless Hotline at 1-877-466-4782 for additional options.
Final Thoughts
If you need a hotel voucher in Vermont tonight, your first call should be to 211 — and your second should be to your local DCF district office. Vermont’s Motel Voucher Program means the state has invested real resources to ensure you have a safe place to stay.
Vermont is a small state with a big heart. From Burlington to Brattleboro, from the Northeast Kingdom to the Green Mountains, help is available. Don’t wait to reach out.
Last Updated: 2026 | Sources: Vermont DCF, Vermont State Housing Authority, HUD, FEMA, Salvation Army Vermont
Program availability and funding levels change frequently. Always verify current availability directly with the providing organization.