WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Helping the Homeless

Helping the Homeless

St. Albans, Vermont - December 20, 2006

About two dozen people gathered in a park in St. Albans for an annual vigil on homelessness. The night before the winter solstice is the longest and often one of the coldest of the year. But this year, St. Albans has reason to celebrate. The Samaritan House opened two apartments upstairs from the homeless shelter. One for as many as four single men, another big enough for four women or a family of six.

Director Linda Ryan says they're designed to help people get their lives back on track.

"We are working to transition people into self-sufficiency and permanent housing," she explains. "It gives them chance to get a job. They can stay six months. They pay $50 a week, they have to save money, no alcohol, drugs, be in at certain times..."

Ryan says a low minimum wage and a high cost of living mean some people just can't afford rent. Most of the people she sees at the shelter are young, substance-free, and working.

"When people come here they come from the shelter. We have them downstairs for about a month, observe their behavior, and if they want to work toward self sufficiency and permanent housing, they move up here."

Since April, 12 people have stayed in the transitional housing. Seven have moved on to permanent housing, and another will move on at the end of the month. The men's housing is occupied now; and Ryan hopes to have a family in by Christmas.

"We've accomplished quite a bit in this last year and we are very proud of it."

Kate Duffy - Channel 3 News