WCAX: Funding extended for Central Vermont homeless shelter

MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) The state is funding a busy warming shelter in Vermont’s capital city for another year.

Good Samaritan Haven, a 30-bed homeless shelter in Barre, launched a pilot warming shelter at the Bethany Church in Montpelier last winter. Good Samaritan manager Judy Joy says the 20-bed shelter was full nearly every night from November to April.

Lawmakers approved $330,000 in the state budget for shelters.

Joy says the shelter provides a warm place to sleep, food and some social services, including help with substance abuse.

“That’s what we’re about. That’s the mission. It’s what we’re called to do is welcome a stranger, feed the hungry, offer comfort and support,” Joy said. “We were really happy that Bethany was willing to do it again. It puts quite a big burden on the church.”

Joy says state funding allowed Good Samaritan to hire more workers to help with housing and employment services.

 

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