What Does It Cost To Do “the Right Thing?”

We received a call today from an unhoused family that is facing a dilemma. What this family is facing offers some insight into the suffering and anxiety intersectional impoverishment creates. But maybe more importantly, it challenges the rest of us to see the lived reality of our unhoused neighbors by contrasting the options available to them versus the choices we are privileged to have.

We have been in relationship with this family for almost two years. They are currently sheltered in a motel room through Vermont’s General Assistance Emergency Housing Program (GA EHP). A little less than a week ago, they loaned their vehicle to a friend who desperately needed transportation for a day. As the friend was driving the family’s vehicle, he was pulled over by law enforcement for a minor traffic infraction. During the stop, the officer discovered an outstanding warrant pertaining to the friend. So the officer took the driver (the family’s friend) into custody for booking and had the family’s vehicle towed and impounded.

Prior to living in motel shelter, this family had lived in their vehicle. Vermont’s scarce family shelters had no space for them. Now, a week away from being evicted from their room because of the impending termination of the GA EHP motel program, this family faces the reality that they will likely have nowhere to live inside.

What would you do? What choices would you have? Would you have loaned your vehicle to a friend in need? (Setting aside empathy, are you forced to consider options that may require you to barter with others for something you might need?) Do you have $600 for the impoundment lot operator to get the vehicle out?

Let’s say you are a compassionate, empathic Vermonter. You would have loaned your vehicle and you do have enough money to get the vehicle back. How do you feel about Governor Scott’s decision to veto the Budget Adjustment Act, a decision that basically evicts vulnerable, unhoused neighbors from the GA EHP motel shelter? What impact do you think the governor’s choice has on the life of the family facing this dilemma?

Vermont is a small state. Here, we believe in “justice for all.” Taking care of each other is part of Vermont’s DNA. We will undoubtedly face major budgetary and policy dilemmas in the future. But at least 700 people will face eviction in a week if the GA EHP motel program ends. Some of them will move into their vehicles. Some into the woods. Some onto the streets. Some will die.

I hear neighbors of privilege observe that this homelessness phenomenon is an eyesore, and it is impacting our commerce; it is not Vermont. But our motto is “unity and freedom.” So really, subordinating the needs of the marginalized to the needs of the privileged is “not Vermont.” Call the governor (802-828-3333) and call your elected representatives. Ask them to do the right thing and not evict unhoused community members from the GA EHP motel program. Tell them that you want a plan to end chronic homelessness in Vermont. If you have not already, create a relationship with a neighbor in need and try to be there for them.

Let’s all care, connect, and collaborate for all Vermonters.