When the Bottom Falls Out

Middle school is challenging for any kid. It’s even more challenging when your home is your family’s car.

We are seeing an increase in the number of neighbors losing their homes. Since last week, hundreds of already-unhoused community members have been evicted from Vermont’s motel shelter program. Thrown out because of political divisiveness and false choices that subordinated the needs of Vermont’s most vulnerable to budgetary handwringing about other programs.

But now, previously housed neighbors unable to keep up with rising rents, medical bills, food costs, property taxes on family farms, etc. are moving into tents in the woods and their vehicles. One parent sleeps in the car and runs errands while the other goes to work. In the early mornings, they drop their child off at school so he can wash up in the locker room before other students arrive. Driving back to their inconspicuous parking spot, they feel (unearned) shame, asking themselves, ‘What did we do wrong? How did this happen to us?’

We are here for them, making connections and being present with them in their loss and grief. We connect them with our curated, trusted, proven human service partners. We remain in relationship with them, advocating to ensure that institutions meant to help them do not degrade our neighbors further by treating them only as another “case” or transaction. We can help with grocery, gas, and meal cards.

Please join us. Support Green Mountain Justice and our partners. As more Vermonters are being disenfranchised, let’s find ways to deepen our connections one at a time to support those who desperately need help from their Vermont neighbors.

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