Housing and Shelter Help

Housing and Shelter Help

Housing is the most common reason Vermonters contact 211. In 2025, our Community Resource Specialists made 12,035 housing and shelter referrals. So far in 2026 (January-October), housing and shelter account for more than half of all our referrals.

If you are homeless, at risk of losing your home, or struggling to pay rent, Vermont 211 can help you find local options. Call 211 or text your zip code to 898211, 8am-10pm, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

In a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

How Vermont 211 Can Help

Our specialists can connect you with:

  • Community shelters and warming shelters
  • Help with rent, security deposits, and back rent
  • Help with utility bills and heating costs
  • Legal help if you are facing eviction
  • Food, transportation, and other services that help you stay housed
  • Safe housing options if you are experiencing domestic or sexual violence

You can also search our Online Directory any time. Try the search terms Homeless Shelter, Rent Payment Assistance, or Warming Centers, and enter your ZIP Code to find options near you.

Important Change: Emergency Housing (Hotel/Motel Program)

Vermont 211 is no longer allowed to provide General Assistance (GA) Emergency Housing intake and vouchers after hours. This is a state requirement. Emergency housing applications are now handled only by the Department for Children and Families’ Economic Services Division (ESD).

To apply for emergency housing:
Call 1-800-775-0506
Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm
Calling early in the day is recommended.

You can also apply in person at your local district office.

What to know about the new rules:

  • There is an assessment. After you apply, ESD will ask health and housing questions to decide who gets rooms first when space is limited.
  • There may be a waitlist. If no room is available, you may be placed on a waitlist.
  • Stays are limited. Hotel or motel stays are generally limited to 70 days per year. Days from December 1 through March 31 do not count toward that limit.
  • Extensions may be possible. You may be able to get more time if you are waiting for housing or services, have a medical need or a disability, or would face a health or safety risk. Apply for an extension before your days run out.
  • You can ask for an accommodation if a disability or health condition makes it hard to apply or meet program requirements.

Need help after ESD closes? Vermont 211 can still connect you with local shelters, warming shelters, and other community resources in the evening and on weekends.

Questions about your rights? Contact Vermont Legal Aid at 1-800-889-2047, or read What to Know About Emergency Housing in Vermont.

If You Are Experiencing Domestic or Sexual Violence

Call the Vermont Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7): 1-800-228-7395. Advocates can help you find a safe place to stay.

Other Places to Get Help

Contact Vermont 211

  • Dial 2-1-1 to talk to a real person
  • Text your ZIP code to 898211
  • Visit vermont211.org anytime

8am-10pm, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
Toll-free: 866-652-4636 | From outside Vermont: 802-652-4636