33 V.S.A. § 2207: Hotels and motels

Level 4: hotels and motels.

(1) It is the intent of the General Assembly to decrease reliance on hotel and motel rooms. However, until sufficient permanent affordable housing or shelter services are available, the use of hotel and motel services shall be permitted.

(2) If a hotel or motel is utilized pursuant to this section, the Department shall:

(A) enter into an agreement with one or more community partners to provide relevant supportive services to eligible households;

(B) permit a population-specific placement to the extent certain populations are not isolated from the wider community served through the Program;

(C) propose hotel and motel rates as part of its budget presentation for the General Assembly’s consideration;

(D) use only hotel and motel rates established by the General Assembly;

(E) enter into agreements for the use of blocks of hotel and motel rooms and negotiate conditions of use for those blocks, including access to providers of case management and other supportive services, with space to provide services as negotiated; and

(F) ensure that services are not provided pursuant to this section on a night-by-night basis.

(3) If a hotel or motel is utilized pursuant to this section, the eligible household shall participate in case management services, planning for housing stability, and other services to the extent of the eligible household’s ability.

(4) A hotel or motel used pursuant to this chapter shall comply with Program rules and the following rules:

(A) Department of Health, Licensed Lodging Establishment Rule (CVR 13-140-023); and

(B) Department of Public Safety, Vermont Fire and Building Safety Code (CVR 28-070-001).

(5)(A) To the extent funds are appropriated for this purpose:

(i) between April 1 and November 30 of each year, the utilization of hotel and motel rooms pursuant to this section shall be capped at 700 rooms per night; and

(ii) between December 1 and March 31 of each year, the utilization of hotel and motel rooms pursuant to this section shall be capped at 1,000 rooms per night.

(B) Hotel and motel rooms utilized by individuals served under section 602 of this title shall not be included in the room caps provided in this subdivision (5).

(6) If an eligible household’s needs cannot be met by levels 1–3 of the Program as described in sections 2204–2206 of this chapter, the Office may utilize hotels and motels if capacity, staffing, and geographic accessibility are available.