Vermont has one of the most severe housing crises of any state in New England — remarkable for a state with fewer than 650,000 people. Burlington, Vermont’s largest city, consistently ranks among the least affordable small cities in the United States relative to local wages, with a rental vacancy rate that has hovered near zero for years. The COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of remote work accelerated an already acute shortage, as higher-income workers from Boston, New York, and other major metros relocated to Vermont’s cities and towns, driving up rents in Burlington, Winooski, South Burlington, and even rural communities that had never experienced significant housing pressure.
The July 2023 flooding — one of the most catastrophic flood events in Vermont’s recorded history — devastated housing in Montpelier, Barre, Johnson, Ludlow, and dozens of other communities, destroying hundreds of homes and rental units and compressing an already impossibly tight housing market further. Vermont’s refugee communities, its aging population, its rural poverty in the Northeast Kingdom, and the workers who sustain the ski resort, agricultural, and tourism economies all face the same underlying crisis: there is simply not enough housing, and what exists costs more than most Vermonters can afford. For low-income families, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and working Vermonters priced out of the private market, Section 8 housing vouchers in Vermont provide critical monthly rent relief.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about Section 8 housing in Vermont — including who qualifies, Vermont-specific income limits by region, Fair Market Rents, a full directory of Vermont Public Housing Authorities, a step-by-step application guide, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.
What Is Section 8 Housing in Vermont?
Section 8 — officially called the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program — is a federally funded rental assistance program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
In Vermont, the program is managed by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) and — unusually for any state — primarily through a network of regional nonprofit housing organizations that administer HCV on behalf of the state. The Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA) is the primary statewide administrator of federal Section 8 vouchers in Vermont, complemented by several regional housing organizations and a small number of municipal housing authorities.
The program pays a portion of your monthly rent directly to your landlord. You contribute approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and VSHA or your regional housing organization covers the remainder — up to the local payment standard — each month.
You are free to choose any privately owned rental unit in Vermont where the landlord agrees to participate and the unit meets HUD’s Housing Quality Standards.
Vermont Context: Vermont’s housing assistance system is unusually centralized and nonprofit-driven compared to most states. VSHA at (802) 828-3295 — vsha.org — is the single most important contact for most Vermonters seeking Section 8 assistance. VSHA administers the largest block of Vermont’s federal HCV allocation and coordinates with regional housing nonprofits including Champlain Housing Trust (CHT), NeighborWorks of Western Vermont, and others that play active roles in affordable housing delivery across the state.
Vermont also has a robust state-funded rental assistance system — the Vermont Rental Subsidy Program and other state programs — that operate alongside federal Section 8 and can serve households while they wait for a federal voucher. Apply for all programs simultaneously.
Vermont Source-of-Income Protection Law
Vermont has a statewide source-of-income (SOI) protection law. Vermont Fair Housing and Public Accommodations Act (9 V.S.A. § 4503) prohibits housing discrimination based on source of income — explicitly including Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and other housing subsidies — statewide.
This means:
- Vermont landlords statewide cannot refuse to rent based on a tenant’s Section 8 voucher or other housing subsidy
- Landlords cannot advertise “No Section 8,” “No vouchers,” or similar exclusions anywhere in Vermont
- Landlords cannot impose more burdensome screening on voucher holders than on unsubsidized applicants
- Violations can be reported to the Vermont Human Rights Commission (VHRC) at (802) 828-2480 — hrc.vermont.gov
The Vermont Legal Aid Fair Housing Project at (802) 863-5620 also provides free fair housing complaint assistance and legal support for voucher holders statewide.
Important: File a complaint with VHRC within one year of the discriminatory act. VHRC investigates at no cost and can order remedies including damages and civil penalties. Vermont’s SOI law applies statewide — from Burlington and Winooski to Brattleboro, St. Johnsbury, and every rural Vermont community. Use this protection actively if a landlord refuses your voucher. Vermont Legal Aid at (802) 863-5620 provides free legal support for fair housing complaints statewide.
Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing Vouchers in Vermont?
To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Vermont, you must meet all of the following requirements:
1. Income Limits
Vermont is a small state, but income limits vary between the Burlington metro area and the state’s more rural regions. The Chittenden County (Burlington) metro has the state’s highest AMIs, while rural Northeast Kingdom counties run considerably lower.
Below are the approximate [Current_year] income limits for a family of four in major Vermont areas:
| Vermont Area | Extremely Low (30% AMI) | Very Low (50% AMI) | Low Income (80% AMI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington / Chittenden County | ~$38,400 | ~$64,000 | ~$102,400 |
| South Burlington / Essex / Williston | ~$38,400 | ~$64,000 | ~$102,400 |
| Montpelier / Washington County | ~$31,900 | ~$53,200 | ~$85,100 |
| Barre / Washington County | ~$31,900 | ~$53,200 | ~$85,100 |
| Rutland / Rutland County | ~$27,000 | ~$45,050 | ~$72,050 |
| Bennington / Bennington County | ~$26,900 | ~$44,850 | ~$71,750 |
| Brattleboro / Windham County | ~$27,800 | ~$46,350 | ~$74,150 |
| St. Johnsbury / Caledonia County | ~$24,300 | ~$40,500 | ~$64,800 |
| Newport / Orleans County (NE Kingdom) | ~$22,600 | ~$37,650 | ~$60,250 |
| St. Albans / Franklin County | ~$29,450 | ~$49,100 | ~$78,550 |
| Middlebury / Addison County | ~$30,300 | ~$50,500 | ~$80,800 |
| White River Junction / Windsor County | ~$29,500 | ~$49,200 | ~$78,750 |
Note: Chittenden County (Burlington metro) has the highest income limits in Vermont — a family of four qualifies at the Very Low Income level with income up to $64,000, reflecting Burlington’s status as Vermont’s largest employment center and the home of UVM, the University of Vermont Medical Center, and the state’s tech and professional services economy.
Orleans and Essex counties (Northeast Kingdom) have the state’s lowest income limits, reflecting deep and persistent rural poverty in one of the most economically isolated regions of New England. These figures are approximate and updated annually. Always verify at huduser.gov or with VSHA at (802) 828-3295.
2. Citizenship or Eligible Immigration Status
At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. Mixed-status households qualify for prorated assistance.
Vermont has significant refugee and immigrant communities — particularly in Burlington and Winooski, which have welcomed large numbers of Somali Bantu, Congolese, Bhutanese, Iraqi, Bosnian, Karen (Burmese), and most recently Afghan and Ukrainian refugees. Winooski has been called “the most diverse city per capita in New England.” Vermont also has a small but established Abenaki Indigenous community statewide.
3. Family Composition
Section 8 is open to single individuals, couples, families with children, elderly persons (age 62+), and persons with disabilities. Household size determines the voucher bedroom size issued.
4. Criminal Background
Federal mandatory bars apply: lifetime sex offender registration and methamphetamine manufacturing in federally assisted housing. VSHA and regional Vermont housing organizations set their own additional screening criteria — contact your specific administrator for their policy.
5. No Outstanding PHA Debt
Any unpaid debt owed to any PHA — in Vermont or another state — must be resolved before approval.
Pro Tip: Vermont’s housing assistance system is unusually regionalized — VSHA, Champlain Housing Trust, NeighborWorks of Western Vermont, and Windham & Windsor Housing Trust all administer housing programs in different parts of the state. Contact VSHA at (802) 828-3295 as your first call to identify every program you are eligible for, then contact your regional housing organization directly. Applying to all simultaneously is essential in Vermont’s extremely tight market.
How Much Rent Assistance Will You Receive in Vermont?
Your Section 8 subsidy in Vermont is based on your adjusted monthly income, HUD’s Fair Market Rents for your area, and VSHA’s or your regional administrator’s payment standard.
You pay 30% of adjusted income; the agency covers the rest up to the payment standard.
Here are the approximate [Current_year] Fair Market Rents for major Vermont markets:
| Vermont Area | 1 Bedroom | 2 Bedroom | 3 Bedroom | 4 Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington / Chittenden County | ~$1,500 | ~$1,850 | ~$2,400 | ~$2,950 |
| Montpelier / Washington County | ~$1,200 | ~$1,500 | ~$1,950 | ~$2,400 |
| Rutland / Rutland County | ~$1,050 | ~$1,300 | ~$1,700 | ~$2,050 |
| Brattleboro / Windham County | ~$1,100 | ~$1,350 | ~$1,750 | ~$2,150 |
| St. Albans / Franklin County | ~$1,150 | ~$1,400 | ~$1,850 | ~$2,250 |
| Middlebury / Addison County | ~$1,150 | ~$1,400 | ~$1,850 | ~$2,250 |
| White River Junction / Windsor County | ~$1,100 | ~$1,350 | ~$1,750 | ~$2,150 |
| St. Johnsbury / Caledonia County | ~$950 | ~$1,150 | ~$1,500 | ~$1,850 |
| Newport / Orleans County (NE Kingdom) | ~$900 | ~$1,100 | ~$1,400 | ~$1,750 |
Note: Burlington FMRs are among the highest of any small city in New England outside the Boston metro — reflecting an extraordinarily tight rental market where vacancy rates have been near zero for years and rents have surged with in-migration from larger cities. Payment standards set by VSHA and regional Vermont housing administrators typically range between 90%–110% of FMR. Confirm current payment standards directly with VSHA at (802) 828-3295 or your regional housing organization.
Vermont Housing Authorities and Administrators: Complete Directory
Vermont’s housing assistance system is administered by VSHA statewide, several regional nonprofit housing organizations, and a small number of municipal housing authorities. Below is a comprehensive directory.
Statewide Administrator — Primary Contact for All Vermonters
| Organization | Phone | Website | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA) | (802) 828-3295 | vsha.org | Statewide — primary federal HCV administrator for most of Vermont; also administers state-funded rental assistance programs; first contact for all Vermonters seeking Section 8 |
Burlington / Chittenden County
| Organization | City | Phone | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington Housing Authority (BHA) | Burlington | (802) 863-0811 | Municipal housing authority for City of Burlington — administers public housing and some HCV; largest city PHA in Vermont |
| Champlain Housing Trust (CHT) | Burlington | (802) 862-6244 | Vermont’s largest community land trust and affordable housing nonprofit; develops and manages affordable rental housing across Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle counties; housing counseling and referrals |
| Cathedral Square (Senior Housing) | Burlington | (802) 863-7357 | Develops and manages affordable housing for seniors and persons with disabilities across Vermont; Section 8 project-based vouchers in many properties |
Regional Housing Organizations
| Organization | Region | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| NeighborWorks of Western Vermont | Rutland / Bennington area | (802) 438-2303 | Rutland and Bennington counties — affordable housing development, rental assistance, and homeownership programs |
| Windham & Windsor Housing Trust | Brattleboro | (802) 254-4604 | Windham and Windsor counties — develops and manages affordable rentals; housing referrals and tenant services in southeastern Vermont |
| Central Vermont Community Land Trust (CVCLT) | Barre | (802) 476-4493 | Washington County (Montpelier / Barre area) — affordable housing development and tenant services |
| Lamoille Housing Partnership | Morrisville | (802) 888-5714 | Lamoille County (Stowe / Morrisville / Johnson area) — affordable housing and housing assistance programs |
| Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA) | St. Johnsbury | (802) 748-7970 | Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties (Northeast Kingdom) — community action housing assistance, emergency rental help, and referrals |
| Addison County Community Trust | Middlebury | (802) 388-2285 | Addison County (Middlebury area) — affordable housing development and tenant assistance |
| Franklin County Home Health Agency / CVOEO | St. Albans | (802) 524-9595 | Franklin County (St. Albans / Swanton) — housing assistance and community services via Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity |
Tip: Vermont’s regional housing nonprofit network is genuinely unusual — these organizations develop housing, manage rentals, administer assistance programs, and provide housing counseling all under one roof in many cases. Contact VSHA at (802) 828-3295 first, then contact the regional organization covering your county. Because Vermont is small (just 14 counties), applying to VSHA, your regional housing organization, and the Burlington Housing Authority (if in Chittenden County) simultaneously covers most of the available programs.
The Vermont Affordable Housing Coalition (VAHC) at (802) 660-9484 — housingvermont.org — provides statewide housing advocacy and can help connect you to all available programs and waitlists. The 2023 Vermont flood recovery programs remain active — contact VSHA and your regional housing organization to determine if flood-related priority preferences or CDBG-DR programs are available in your county.
How to Apply for Section 8 Housing Vouchers in Vermont
Here is a complete step-by-step guide to applying for Section 8 housing in Vermont:
Step 1: Contact VSHA and Your Regional Housing Organization
Your first call should be to VSHA at (802) 828-3295 — VSHA is the primary federal HCV administrator for most of Vermont and the most important single contact. Then contact your regional housing organization (see directory above) for your county.
In Chittenden County, also contact the Burlington Housing Authority at (802) 863-0811 and Champlain Housing Trust at (802) 862-6244 — these are separate organizations with separate programs and waitlists.
Step 2: Check for Open Waitlists and Apply for All Programs Simultaneously
Vermont’s housing waitlists are tight and often closed. To stay current:
- Visit vsha.org for VSHA waitlist status and all state and federal program updates — this is your most important starting point
- Call your regional housing organization directly — regional nonprofits often have program-specific waitlists separate from VSHA’s federal HCV list
- Ask about the Vermont Rental Subsidy Program — a state-funded program that can serve households while federal HCV waitlists are closed or very long
- Contact Vermont Legal Aid at (802) 863-5620 for housing program guidance and tenant rights information
- Contact Vermont 2-1-1 — dial 211 — for local housing referrals statewide, 24/7
- Monitor affordablehousingonline.com for Vermont waitlist openings
Step 3: Apply Immediately When a Waitlist Opens
VSHA and Burlington Housing Authority waitlist openings are rare and fill quickly. Act immediately when an opening is announced:
- VSHA offers online pre-applications when waitlists open — check vsha.org regularly
- Have all household member information ready: full names, dates of birth, SSNs, income details
- Apply to VSHA, your regional housing organization, and Burlington Housing Authority simultaneously if in Chittenden County
- Apply for the Vermont Rental Subsidy Program and any other state-funded programs at the same time
Step 4: Maintain Your Waitlist Position
VSHA (statewide) waits typically run 3 to 7+ years. Burlington Housing Authority runs approximately 4 to 8 years — one of the longest waits of any small-city PHA in New England. Regional housing organizations vary — some have shorter waits for specific program types.
While waiting:
- Update your contact information with VSHA and every housing organization every time you move or change your phone number
- Respond promptly to all annual confirmation notices
- Document any priority preference eligibility:
- Currently homeless or residing in emergency shelter
- Victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking (VAWA protections apply; Vermont has strong additional DV housing protections)
- Veteran or active-duty service member
- Person with a disability requiring accessible or supportive housing
- Elderly household (age 62+)
- Displaced by the 2023 Vermont floods or other natural disaster
Step 5: Complete the Full Application
When your name is reached, gather these documents without delay:
- Photo ID — driver’s license, state ID, or passport for all adult household members
- Birth certificates — for all household members
- Social Security cards — for all household members
- Proof of income — recent pay stubs, Social Security or disability award letters, Vermont TANF (Reach Up) award letters, or most recent federal tax return
- Bank statements — last 2–3 months for all accounts
- Rental history — landlord names, addresses, and contact info for the past 2–3 years
- Benefit letters — SNAP, Vermont Medicaid (Green Mountain Care / Dr. Dynasaur), Reach Up/TANF, or other Vermont benefit award letters
Step 6: Attend the Eligibility Interview
A VSHA or regional housing organization specialist will review your application, verify documents, and conduct an eligibility interview. If you believe your application was improperly handled, contact Vermont Legal Aid at (802) 863-5620 or the Vermont Human Rights Commission (VHRC) at (802) 828-2480 for free housing legal guidance.
Step 7: Receive Your Voucher and Search for Housing
If approved, you receive your Vermont Section 8 voucher and typically have 60 to 120 days to find eligible housing. Vermont’s statewide SOI law means landlords cannot legally refuse your voucher anywhere in Vermont — use this right actively and report any violations to VHRC at (802) 828-2480 or Vermont Legal Aid at (802) 863-5620 immediately.
Request an extension proactively — VSHA and Vermont housing organizations are generally supportive in acknowledging Vermont’s near-zero vacancy reality and have discretion to grant extensions in documented difficult market conditions.
Finding Section 8 Housing in Vermont
Vermont’s statewide SOI law is one of your most powerful tools. Here are the best resources for finding participating housing:
- VSHA Housing Resources: vsha.org — statewide program information, waitlist status, and housing resources; (802) 828-3295
- Champlain Housing Trust: champlainhousingtrust.org — affordable rental listings and housing counseling in Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle counties; (802) 862-6244
- HUD Housing Locator: hudhousinglocator.com — search by Vermont city or ZIP code
- AffordableHousing.com: filter by Vermont for voucher-friendly listings
- Vermont Human Rights Commission (VHRC): hrc.vermont.gov — file SOI and housing discrimination complaints; (802) 828-2480
- Vermont Legal Aid Fair Housing Project: vtlegalaid.org — free fair housing complaint assistance and legal support statewide; (802) 863-5620
- Vermont Affordable Housing Coalition (VAHC): housingvermont.org — statewide housing advocacy and program referrals; (802) 660-9484
Vermont Section 8 Housing: Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Section 8 waitlist in Vermont?
VSHA (statewide) waits typically run 3 to 7+ years. Burlington Housing Authority runs approximately 4 to 8 years — extraordinarily long for a city of Burlington’s size, reflecting the near-zero vacancy rate. Regional housing organization program waitlists vary — some state-funded programs have shorter waits than federal HCV.
Applying to VSHA, your regional housing organization, and all state-funded programs simultaneously is the most important strategy. Ask specifically about the Vermont Rental Subsidy Program — it may have different availability than the federal HCV list.
Can a Vermont landlord refuse Section 8?
No — not legally. Vermont’s Fair Housing and Public Accommodations Act prohibits landlords statewide from refusing to rent based on a tenant’s lawful source of income, including Section 8 vouchers.
File a complaint with VHRC at (802) 828-2480 if a landlord refuses your voucher. Vermont Legal Aid at (802) 863-5620 provides free legal assistance for fair housing complaints statewide. Vermont’s SOI law is enforceable — use it.
Are there housing resources for Vermont’s 2023 flood survivors?
Yes. The July 2023 floods were the most devastating flood event in Vermont since 1927 — destroying or severely damaging hundreds of homes and rental units in Montpelier, Barre, Johnson, Ludlow, Morrisville, Hardwick, and dozens of other Vermont communities. The flood compressed an already impossibly tight rental market further, displacing households who had no reasonable alternative housing options.
Disaster-displaced flood survivors should report their status to VSHA and their regional housing organization as a priority preference. VSHA at (802) 828-3295 coordinates state disaster housing recovery programs. The Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) at (802) 828-3211 coordinates CDBG-DR disaster recovery housing programs — Vermont received significant federal CDBG-DR funding for 2023 flood recovery. FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) was activated following the federal disaster declaration — register at disasterassistance.gov if you have not already done so. Vermont Long-Term Disaster Recovery Groups were established in the most impacted communities — contact your regional housing organization or dial 211 for current referrals. Central Vermont Community Land Trust (CVCLT) at (802) 476-4493 and Lamoille Housing Partnership at (802) 888-5714 are the primary regional housing recovery contacts for the Barre/Montpelier and Lamoille Valley areas respectively.
Are there housing resources for Vermont’s remarkable refugee and immigrant communities?
Yes. Burlington and Winooski have welcomed refugees and immigrants from across the globe for decades — building one of the most diverse communities per capita in New England. Winooski is sometimes called the most diverse small city in the United States, with significant Somali Bantu, Congolese, Bhutanese, Iraqi, Bosnian, Karen (Burmese), and more recently Afghan and Ukrainian communities.
Key resources include Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program (VRRP) / Association of Africans Living in Vermont (AALV) at (802) 654-8645 — aalv-vt.org — which is Vermont’s primary refugee resettlement and housing navigation organization; U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) Vermont at (802) 876-6050 for refugee housing and employment programs; Amara at (802) 448-1538 for housing and support services for African and other refugee communities; Vermont Immigration and Asylum Advocates (VIAA) at (802) 865-0109 for immigration legal assistance including housing matters; and Champlain Housing Trust at (802) 862-6244 for affordable housing development that has specifically served Burlington’s refugee communities.
Are there housing resources for Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom communities?
Yes. Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom — Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties — is one of the most economically isolated regions in New England, with deep multigenerational rural poverty, aging housing stock, and limited rental inventory at any price. St. Johnsbury and Newport are the region’s largest communities, and both face housing challenges defined by poverty wages and a severely limited private rental market.
Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA) at (802) 748-7970 is the primary community action and housing assistance organization for the Northeast Kingdom. VSHA at (802) 828-3295 administers HCV directly for rural Vermont. Vermont Legal Aid at (802) 863-5620 provides free housing legal assistance across the region. USDA Rural Development at (802) 828-6000 administers rural housing repair and rental assistance programs for Northeast Kingdom communities.
Are there housing resources for Vermont’s ski resort workforce?
Yes. Vermont’s ski resort communities — Stowe (Lamoille County), Killington (Rutland County), Mad River Valley (Washington County), and the southern Vermont ski corridor (Stratton, Mount Snow, Okemo) — face extreme housing cost burdens driven by second-home and vacation rental demand that has all but eliminated year-round affordable rental inventory for the workers who staff the resorts, restaurants, and supporting businesses.
The Lamoille Housing Partnership at (802) 888-5714 serves the Stowe-area workforce and administers housing programs for Lamoille County. NeighborWorks of Western Vermont at (802) 438-2303 covers the Killington and Rutland County area. Windham & Windsor Housing Trust at (802) 254-4604 serves the southern Vermont ski corridor. VSHA’s statewide HCV can be used anywhere in Vermont — a voucher from a lower-demand area can be ported to a resort community after 12 months if needed.
Can I use my Vermont Section 8 voucher in another state?
Yes. After living in your initial Vermont Section 8-assisted unit for at least 12 months, you can port your voucher to another state. Many Vermont voucher holders port to New Hampshire or Massachusetts — contact the receiving state’s PHA or housing authority well in advance to confirm portability acceptance and current payment standards.
Are there Section 8 vouchers for veterans in Vermont?
Yes. The HUD-VASH program provides Section 8 vouchers for homeless veterans combined with VA case management. Vermont’s VA facility administering HUD-VASH is the White River Junction VA Medical Center at (802) 295-9363, with community-based outpatient clinics in Burlington, Bennington, Brattleboro, Colchester, Morrisville, Newport, Rutland, and St. Johnsbury. Contact the White River Junction VA to inquire about HUD-VASH availability and eligibility.
What other programs help with housing in Vermont besides Section 8?
Vermont has several additional housing assistance programs, most notably the Vermont Rental Subsidy Program — a state-funded parallel voucher program administered by VSHA that can serve households while federal HCV waitlists are closed or very long. Ask about this program specifically when you contact VSHA.
Vermont’s Reach Up program (the state’s TANF) can provide emergency housing assistance through DCF offices. Green Mountain Care / Dr. Dynasaur (Vermont Medicaid) documents income eligibility for housing applications. Steps to End Domestic Violence and other DV organizations coordinate with the Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence at (802) 223-1302 for emergency housing for DV survivors statewide. Dial 211 for immediate local referrals anywhere in Vermont.
Additional Housing Resources in Vermont
- Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA): vsha.org — primary federal HCV and state rental assistance administrator for most of Vermont; (802) 828-3295
- 2-1-1 Vermont: Dial 211 — emergency housing, shelter, utility assistance, and social services statewide, 24/7
- Vermont Human Rights Commission (VHRC): hrc.vermont.gov — file SOI and housing discrimination complaints; (802) 828-2480
- Vermont Legal Aid Fair Housing Project: vtlegalaid.org — free fair housing legal assistance statewide; (802) 863-5620
- Vermont Affordable Housing Coalition (VAHC): housingvermont.org — statewide housing advocacy and program referrals; (802) 660-9484
- Champlain Housing Trust (CHT): champlainhousingtrust.org — largest community land trust in Vermont; affordable rental housing and housing counseling in Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle counties; (802) 862-6244
- Association of Africans Living in Vermont (AALV) / VRRP: aalv-vt.org — refugee resettlement and housing navigation; (802) 654-8645
- USCRI Vermont (Burlington): (802) 876-6050 — refugee housing and employment programs
- Amara (Burlington): amaravt.org — housing and support services for African and refugee communities; (802) 448-1538
- Central Vermont Community Land Trust (CVCLT): cvcltvt.org — affordable housing in Washington County and 2023 flood recovery; (802) 476-4493
- Lamoille Housing Partnership: lamoillehousing.org — housing programs for Lamoille County including Stowe resort workforce; (802) 888-5714
- Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA): (802) 748-7970 — community action housing assistance for Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties
- NeighborWorks of Western Vermont: nwwvt.org — housing programs for Rutland and Bennington counties; (802) 438-2303
- Windham & Windsor Housing Trust: homeswithhope.org — affordable housing in southeastern Vermont; (802) 254-4604
- Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence: vtnetwork.org — emergency housing for DV survivors statewide; (802) 223-1302
- HUD-Approved Housing Counselors: Free counseling statewide — find one at hud.gov/housingcounseling
- HUD-VASH for Veterans: Contact White River Junction VA at (802) 295-9363 for homeless veteran housing vouchers
- USDA Rural Development Vermont: rd.usda.gov — rural housing programs for rural Vermont communities; (802) 828-6000
Final Thoughts: Getting Section 8 Housing in Vermont
Securing a Section 8 housing voucher in Vermont is among the most difficult of any state in New England — not because of bureaucratic complexity, but because Vermont’s housing supply is so constrained that even with a voucher, finding an available unit can take the full search period. Vermont’s statewide SOI law, its strong regional housing nonprofit network, and its state-funded Vermont Rental Subsidy Program give Vermonters more tools than residents of most no-SOI states — but the underlying vacancy crisis is severe enough that every tool must be used actively.
Here are the most important actions to take right now:
- Call VSHA at (802) 828-3295 first — VSHA is the statewide hub and your single most important first contact; ask specifically about the Vermont Rental Subsidy Program, which may have different waitlist availability than the federal HCV list
- Contact your regional housing organization simultaneously — Champlain Housing Trust (Chittenden), CVCLT (Washington), NeighborWorks (Rutland/Bennington), Windham & Windsor Housing Trust (SE Vermont), Lamoille Housing Partnership (Lamoille), NEKCA (Northeast Kingdom) — each has programs and waitlists separate from VSHA
- Know Vermont’s statewide SOI law — landlords cannot legally refuse your voucher anywhere in Vermont; report violations to VHRC at (802) 828-2480 immediately; Vermont Legal Aid at (802) 863-5620 provides free support
- 2023 flood survivors: contact VSHA at (802) 828-3295 and your regional housing organization immediately — disaster priority preferences and CDBG-DR recovery programs remain active; CVCLT (Barre/Montpelier) and Lamoille Housing Partnership (Lamoille Valley) are key flood recovery contacts
- Burlington and Winooski refugee and immigrant households: contact AALV/VRRP at (802) 654-8645 and Champlain Housing Trust at (802) 862-6244 — these organizations have the deepest experience navigating Vermont’s housing programs for newly arrived and established refugee families
- Dial 211 for immediate help with housing, emergency rental assistance, and other urgent needs while you wait
For the most current waitlist information, contact Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA) at (802) 828-3295 or visit vsha.org, or contact your regional Vermont housing organization directly.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Income limits, Fair Market Rents, payment standards, and program rules are updated annually by HUD. Vermont state and local housing laws are also subject to change. Always verify current information with VSHA, your regional Vermont housing organization, or a HUD-approved housing counselor before applying.