Vermont is facing an unprecedented housing crisis, and one of the most vulnerable populations—the intellectually and developmentally disabled (I/DD)—is at significant risk of homelessness. This crisis has been exacerbated by recent changes to the General Assistance (GA) Emergency Housing program, leaving many individuals, including those with disabilities, without a place to call home.The impact of homelessness on people with I/DD is far-reaching. It exposes them to physical harm, mental health crises, and exploitation, and disrupts the critical support services they rely on, such as medical care, therapy, and life-skills support. For these individuals, the gap between having a home and becoming homeless is dangerously thin, and the consequences are devastating.Vermont Care Partners (VCP) is a statewide network dedicated to supporting individuals with I/DD, as well as those with mental health and substance use needs, to maintain independence and well-being. While not housing providers in the traditional sense, VCP agencies play an essential role in addressing the housing crisis by helping individuals find appropriate housing, navigate complex systems, and provide the ongoing support necessary to ensure individuals can live successfully in their communities. Traditionally, the Vermont System of Care has primarily invested in the Shared Living Provider model. This model is utilized by all Designated and Specialized service agencies which allows people to live with a person or family in their home with built in support. This model works for many people but does not work for a growing number of people. The role of Vermont Care PartnersIn response to Vermont’s growing need for housing solutions, VCP agencies have pioneered innovative housing models to support the I/DD population that promote well-being and autonomy.   Upper Valley Services is an example of a VCP agency that has been proactive in securing housing for people with I/DD.  With support from the ACT 186 Pilot Planning Grant, and in partnership with Downstreet Housing and Community Development, they have advanced two key housing projects to support people with I/DD.  The Hamesbest Project in Randolph will renovate a single-family home into accessible housing for two people, with staff support, plus an additional accessory dwelling unit that will provide accessible housing to another person. This project is fully funded through the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) and set to begin renovations in spring 2025. The Marsh House Project in Waterbury will designate four apartments within a 26-unit building for individuals with I/DD, incorporating universal design features and onsite staffing for support. Construction is slated for 2025. Additionally, UVS operates ten residential properties that provide both transitional housing and stable, permanent homes for individuals with I/DD, with the eleventh property opening in January 2025 for crisis housing. These projects exemplify UVS’s commitment to expanding accessible housing options for people with I/DD in Vermont.Gloria Quinn, Executive Director from Upper Valley Services highlights, “One size does not fit all. Vermont has an extreme housing shortage, so we must create new housing and support options for Vermonters with I/DD.” These projects not only provide immediate housing and support solutions but also serve as models for future affordable housing initiatives, helping to inform statewide efforts and create sustainable, accessible housing for individuals with disabilities across Vermont.Over in Northern Vermont, Green Mountain Support Services (GMSS) has just expanded its crisis housing options with the addition of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to four existing one-bedroom apartments in Lamoille County. These newly remodeled two-bedroom units, designed to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities facing homelessness or other crisis situations, feature fully accessible showers and integrated Hoyer lifts for safe and accessible movement. GMSS Executive Director Elizabeth Walters emphasizes, “By offering accessible housing solutions, GMSS is addressing a critical gap for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers.” This expansion, made possible by funding from the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB), provides vital, inclusive housing options in northern Vermont, helping individuals in crisis maintain stability and community connections. In central Vermont, Washington County Mental Health Services (WCMHS) offers an expansive list of housing and residential programs for people with I/DD including a critically important network of Shared Living Providers. Like the other Designated and Specialized Service agencies, WCMHS has a strong focus on Vermont’s largest residential support model – Shared Living.  WCMHS contracts with over 100 community members who open their homes to provide personalized care and support in the least restrictive, most natural living environments.  These Shared Living Providers offer stability and growth opportunities for folks who might otherwise face homelessness. The care and compassion they provide not only creates a sense of belonging but also enhances the quality of life for those they support, whether it’s taking individuals on vacation or providing a lifelong home. For many, this model represents a path to a secure and loving forever space.  Shared Living has been a foundational part of the Home and Community-Based Services system in Vermont since the state’s transition away from institutional care. This model continues to be essential in ensuring that some of our most vulnerable Vermonters have a place to call home, with the necessary supports to remain in the community without requiring a higher level of care.  Like all models, Shared Living requires ongoing investment.  A call to shared actionDespite these efforts, VCP agencies are facing significant challenges due to staffing shortages, limited funding, and the increasing demand for housing solutions. The crisis is not only a challenge for these service providers but for the entire state. Without adequate support, vulnerable individuals risk losing the stability that housing provides.By prioritizing immediate support and long-term stability, Vermont can better provide every individual with a place to call home. No one should fear homelessness, and no one should have to navigate the system alone. As Julie Cunningham, Executive Director of Families First, emphasized, “Everyone is responsible for the housing crisis our state is experiencing. It is not just the job of housing authorities or service agencies—this is a collective issue that impacts us all.” Addressing this crisis requires a shared effort from all sectors of society—housing authorities, service providers, and community members alike.The need for immediate investmentThe housing crisis is a complex issue that requires urgent attention. Vermont must invest not only in increasing the availability of affordable housing but also in the support services necessary to ensure that people with I/DD can maintain stable housing. By investing in the workforce as well as housing options, Vermont can ensure that individuals with I/DD receive the support they need to live safely and in the way that they need and want. As Vermont works toward solutions, it must recognize that providing housing alone is not enough. Support services are vital to help individuals access and retain stable living situations. Vermont Care Partners and other service agencies are ready to be part of the solution, but they need increased resources and funding to provide comprehensive services that help individuals thrive.Investing in housing for people with I/DD and supports for service providers: A commitment to Vermont’s future well-beingEnsuring stable housing for people with I/DD in Vermont delivers significant returns that extend far beyond the immediate need for shelter. Housing stability reduces the strain on public healthcare systems by providing better access to medical care, minimizing emergency room visits, and preventing costly hospitalizations. Stable housing also decreases reliance on emergency services, crisis interventions, and the criminal justice system, which ultimately saves taxpayer dollars.Moreover, stable housing opens the door to employment and economic independence, allowing individuals to contribute to Vermont’s workforce. Socially, it fosters inclusion, strengthens community ties, and promotes family and caregiver well-being, helping to reduce stress and burnout.Equally important is the investment in the service providers who make housing stability possible. By providing Vermont Care Partners agencies with the resources necessary to sustain and grow their workforce, we ensure that they can continue delivering the personalized support that helps people thrive in stable housing. Over time, these investments prevent the much higher costs associated with homelessness—such as increased healthcare use and institutionalization—and create a more sustainable solution for everyone.In short, ensuring stable housing for people with disabilities and bolstering the efforts of dedicated service providers yields significant long-term economic and social benefits.  These essential services are more than basic needs; they represent vital investments in Vermont’s future.  This article is part of a series collaboratively produced by Vermont Care Partners and its members. Vermont Care Partners is a statewide network of sixteen non-profit, community-based agencies providing mental health, substance use and intellectual and developmental disability services.Read the story on VTDigger here: Vermont Care Partners addresses the housing crisis for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Vermont.