Housing is the first domino. Without a confirmed address, parole and probation supervision in Vermont cannot begin, employment cannot start, and benefits cannot be accessed. Vermont's community supervision officers require an approved address before release is authorized. The housing search begins before the gate opens.
Vermont operates one of the more structured state-funded transitional housing networks relative to its small population. The Vermont Department of Corrections (VT DOC) has funded transitional housing through community providers since 2005. The FY 2025 portfolio includes 12 community providers with approximately 243 beds and apartments statewide, typically serving over 400 unique individuals per year. Vermont's Fair Chance in Housing Act (Act 43, effective July 1, 2020) provides statewide private-landlord protections for rental applicants with criminal records -- one of only a handful of states with this protection.
The Housing Landscape in Vermont
Vermont Department of Corrections (VT DOC, doc.vermont.gov) Community and Restorative Justice Unit has funded transitional housing programs since 2005 as part of Justice Reinvestment work with the Vermont Legislature and the Council of State Governments. The FY 2025 transitional housing network includes 12 community providers offering approximately 243 beds and apartments statewide, serving more than 400 unique individuals per year.
VT DOC's Theory of Change for transitional housing is trauma-informed, restorative justice-focused, and designed to address the primary driver of technical violations in Vermont: nearly 80% of all Vermont prison admissions from 2017 to 2019 were for violations of furlough, probation, or parole conditions -- and the most common reason was lack of housing. In 2022, 71 of the 762 people incarcerated in Vermont remained imprisoned past their minimum release date due solely to lack of housing.
The FY 2025 DOC-funded transitional housing providers (from doc.vermont.gov/content/transitional-housing):
Barre Community Justice Center: 17 beds; any gender; prefer ties to the area and at least one year of DOC supervision remaining; shared and scattered apartments; COSA reentry support; service coordination; community referrals; sex offenders considered. Contact: DOC Michael Sweeney, Barre field office.
Montpelier Community Justice Center: 2 apartments; any gender; prefer ties to the area; scattered site apartments; COSA reentry support; service coordination; housing search; rental assistance; information and referrals; sex offenders considered. Contact: DOC Michael Sweeney, Barre field office.
Pathways Vermont (pathwaysvt.org): The largest DOC transitional housing provider statewide, with 98 apartments across multiple Vermont communities: Barre, Middlebury, St. Albans, Brattleboro, Burlington, Rutland, Morrisville, Springfield, and Bennington, with continued expansion. Any gender; prefer at least one year of DOC supervision remaining.
Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA, nekcavt.org): 7 congregate beds in Newport and Coventry; serves the Northeast Kingdom region.
Orange County Community Justice Center (cjnvt.org): 5 beds in 3 apartments; Orange County.
Springfield Supported Housing Program (sshpvt.org): 5 apartments; 15+ years of operation; Springfield area.
St. Johnsbury Community Restorative Justice Center: 8 beds in scattered apartments; St. Johnsbury/Northeast Kingdom area.
Brattleboro Community Justice Center: COSA reentry and prisoner reintegration support; Brattleboro area.
Additional providers confirmed in the FY 2025 DOC network serve Chittenden County (Burlington area) and other regions. The complete current list is at doc.vermont.gov/content/transitional-housing. Placement in DOC-funded transitional housing is coordinated through the VT DOC case manager or supervision officer.
Burlington Housing Authority Offender Re-Entry Housing Program (ORHP, burlingtonhousing.org; BHA main: 802-864-0538): A Search and Retention program operating since 2004-2005, developed in collaboration with Burlington and Winooski Community Justice Centers and VT DOC. ORHP assists incarcerated individuals upon release from incarceration or transitional housing to secure and maintain sustainable, permanent housing. ORHP also accepts community-based referrals for parolees and probationers. Eligibility: must be returning to or living in Chittenden County, Vermont, under VT DOC supervision; must have at least nine months remaining on their sentence (preference given to applicants with at least one year of supervision remaining). An Offender Reentry Housing Specialist (ORHS) coordinates with correctional facility staff and local probation/parole officers. The program has provided Housing Choice Vouchers and transitional housing referrals for over 20 years.
Vermont Alliance for Recovery Residences (VARR): Certifies recovery housing statewide; people seeking substance-free recovery housing with certification standards can use VARR to identify certified homes.
Vermont Recovery Housing Program (DHCD/HUD): Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development administers federal HUD Recovery Housing Program funds for people recovering from substance use disorder. The FY 2025 Action Plan (4th Amendment, DRAFT March 2026) is under development. Contact DHCD for current grantee information.
Good Samaritan Haven (goodsamaritanhaven.org; 802-479-2294): Barre/Montpelier area; emergency shelter and housing support for people experiencing homelessness including returning citizens.
For federal inmates, the Bureau of Prisons coordinates RRC placement for Vermont federal inmates through BOP RRM Boston. Vermont has limited federal RRC capacity relative to its population. Federal RRC placement is coordinated by the BOP unit team beginning 17 to 19 months before the projected release date. Under the First Step Act, earned programming credits can result in RRC placement up to 12 months before release. Families do not apply to federal RRCs directly.
Vermont Fair Chance in Housing Act
Vermont enacted Act 43, the Fair Chance in Housing Act, effective July 1, 2020, providing statewide protections for rental applicants with criminal records in most private and subsidized rental housing. Key provisions:
Landlords may not inquire about or consider criminal history in rental applications until after conditionally approving an applicant based on other criteria.
Landlords who conduct a criminal background check after a conditional approval may not consider convictions that are more than three years old (for most offenses) or a list of specified serious offenses for longer periods.
Arrest records and charges that did not result in conviction cannot be used.
Applicants have the right to dispute inaccurate information and to receive a written explanation for a denial.
These protections apply broadly to private landlords in Vermont. Confirm current full scope, exemptions, and any 2021-2025 amendments at publish time. Vermont Legal Aid (vtlegalaid.org) provides free guidance on Fair Chance in Housing Act rights.
Federal Restrictions on Public and Subsidized Housing
Federal law divides criminal history restrictions on federally assisted housing into mandatory lifetime bans and discretionary bans. Both apply in Vermont.
Mandatory lifetime bans apply regardless of which Vermont housing authority is involved:
Anyone subject to a lifetime registration requirement under a state sex offender registration program is banned from admission to public housing and most HUD-assisted programs. This is federal statute and no Vermont housing authority can waive it.
Anyone convicted of manufacturing methamphetamine on federally assisted property is permanently barred from all HUD-assisted housing.
Certain drug-related convictions carry mandatory restrictions depending on the specific program and conviction type, though PHAs retain some discretion in this category.
Discretionary bans apply to all other criminal history. Vermont PHAs may consider criminal history but are not required to impose blanket denials. HUD guidance from 2016 encourages individualized assessment. The Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8) is administered locally, so the specific policy depends on which Vermont PHA covers the relevant area.
Note: Vermont's Fair Chance in Housing Act (Act 43) applies to most private and subsidized rental housing but does not change federal public housing rules. Contact the specific housing authority for their current criminal history screening policy.
For Families
If anyone in the family lives in public or subsidized housing, this section requires immediate attention before release.
Adding a returning family member with certain criminal convictions to a household in public or HUD-assisted housing can constitute a lease violation and result in termination of the voucher or eviction of the entire household. Families in public housing must contact their specific housing authority before the person comes home. Vermont's Fair Chance in Housing Act does not change this federal rule. The conversation with the PHA happens before release, not after.
For private rental housing, Vermont's Fair Chance in Housing Act (Act 43) provides meaningful protections. Landlords cannot screen based on criminal history before conditionally approving on other criteria. Three-year lookback limits apply for most offenses. Arrest records cannot be used. These protections change the practical application sequence -- families and returning citizens should know their Fair Chance Act rights before beginning the rental search.
Vermont's housing gap is documented: in 2022, 71 people remained incarcerated past their minimum release date due solely to lack of housing. Starting the housing search early -- through the VT DOC case manager and the DOC transitional housing network -- is the most effective approach.
What families can do before release:
Contact the housing authority immediately if anyone in the household lives in public or subsidized housing. Get the specific policy before the person arrives.
Contact the VT DOC case manager or supervision officer about DOC-funded transitional housing placement -- the 12-provider network covers all DOC districts.
For Chittenden County (Burlington area): contact Burlington Housing Authority ORHP (burlingtonhousing.org; 802-864-0538) -- must have at least nine months remaining on sentence; preference for at least one year.
For recovery housing: contact Vermont Alliance for Recovery Residences (VARR) for certified sober living options statewide.
Review Vermont Fair Chance in Housing Act rights at vtlegalaid.org before beginning any private rental search.
Call 211 Vermont (dial 211 or vermont211.org) for housing referrals and reentry services by county.
Contact Good Samaritan Haven (802-479-2294) for emergency shelter support in the Barre/Montpelier area.
Confirm all housing with the assigned supervision officer. An approved address is required before release.
State Resources
VT DOC Transitional Housing (doc.vermont.gov/content/transitional-housing): 12 community providers; approximately 243 beds/apartments statewide; over 400 individuals served annually; placement through DOC case manager.
FY 2025 DOC Transitional Housing Provider List (doc.vermont.gov/sites/correct/files/documents): Full provider list with bed counts, eligibility, services, and DOC contacts. Request from DOC case manager.
Pathways Vermont (pathwaysvt.org): 98 apartments across Vermont (Barre, Middlebury, St. Albans, Brattleboro, Burlington, Rutland, Morrisville, Springfield, Bennington and expanding); largest DOC-funded transitional housing provider statewide.
Burlington Housing Authority ORHP (burlingtonhousing.org; 802-864-0538): Housing Choice Vouchers and transitional housing referrals for Chittenden County individuals under VT DOC supervision; minimum nine months remaining on sentence.
Vermont Alliance for Recovery Residences (VARR, vtrecoveryresidences.org): Certified recovery housing statewide directory.
Good Samaritan Haven (goodsamaritanhaven.org; 802-479-2294): Barre/Montpelier area emergency shelter and housing support.
Vermont Legal Aid (vtlegalaid.org): Free civil legal assistance for eligible low-income Vermonters including Fair Chance in Housing Act guidance and housing rights.
211 Vermont (vermont211.org; dial 211): Free statewide referrals to housing, reentry services, shelter, and emergency assistance by region.
Frequently asked questions
Can a felon get into public housing in Vermont?
It depends on the conviction type and the specific Vermont housing authority. Federal law mandates lifetime bans from HUD-assisted housing for people subject to lifetime sex offender registration and for people convicted of meth production on federally assisted property. Outside those mandatory bans, Vermont PHAs have discretion to consider criminal history but are not required to impose blanket bans. Vermont's Fair Chance in Housing Act applies to most private and subsidized rental housing but does not change federal public housing rules. Contact the specific PHA for their current policy.
What are the federal housing bans for felons?
Two are mandatory everywhere: (1) lifetime sex offender registration bars admission from HUD-assisted housing, and (2) conviction for manufacturing meth on federally assisted property is a permanent bar. Beyond those, PHAs have discretion to consider other criminal history but are not required to impose blanket bans. HUD guidance from 2016 discourages blanket denials and encourages individualized assessments considering the offense, time elapsed, and evidence of rehabilitation.
Can my family lose Section 8 if my person moves in?
Yes. Allowing a person with a disqualifying criminal history to reside in a Section 8 or public housing unit can constitute a lease violation and result in termination of the voucher or eviction of the entire household. Vermont's Fair Chance in Housing Act does not change this federal rule. Contact the housing authority before the person comes home. The conversation with the PHA happens before release, not after.
How does transitional housing work in Vermont?
VT DOC has funded transitional housing through community providers since 2005. The FY 2025 network includes 12 providers with approximately 243 beds and apartments statewide. Pathways Vermont is the largest provider with 98 apartments across the state. Barre, Montpelier, St. Johnsbury, Springfield, NEKCA (Newport/Coventry), and Orange County CJCs provide additional beds. Burlington Housing Authority ORHP provides housing search and vouchers for Chittenden County. Placement in DOC-funded housing is through the VT DOC case manager or supervision officer. For federal inmates, BOP RRM Boston coordinates RRC placement beginning 17 to 19 months before release; under the First Step Act, programming credits can result in placement up to 12 months before release.
What is the Burlington Housing Authority ORHP?
The Burlington Housing Authority Offender Re-Entry Housing Program (ORHP) is a Search and Retention program that has operated since 2004-2005. It assists incarcerated individuals upon release from incarceration or transitional housing, as well as parolees and probationers already in the community, to secure and maintain sustainable permanent housing in Chittenden County. Eligibility requires being under VT DOC supervision and returning to or living in Chittenden County, with at least nine months remaining on the sentence (preference for one year or more). ORHP provides Housing Choice Vouchers and transitional housing referrals. An Offender Reentry Housing Specialist coordinates with facility staff and probation/parole. Contact: burlingtonhousing.org; 802-864-0538.
How does federal RRC placement work in Vermont?
The BOP unit team begins reviewing federal inmates for RRC eligibility 17 to 19 months before the projected release date. BOP RRM Boston manages Vermont placements. Vermont has limited federal RRC capacity relative to its population. Under the First Step Act, earned programming credits can result in RRC placement up to 12 months before release. Families cannot apply to RRCs directly. Families can help by ensuring the planned release address is clearly documented with the BOP case manager well in advance.
Can landlords in Vermont refuse to rent to ex-felons?
Vermont's Fair Chance in Housing Act (Act 43, effective July 1, 2020) is one of the strongest statewide fair chance housing laws in the country. Landlords cannot consider criminal history before conditionally approving an applicant on other criteria. After a conditional approval, most convictions older than three years cannot be considered. Arrest records cannot be used. Applicants have the right to dispute inaccurate records and receive a written denial explanation. These protections apply to most private and subsidized rental housing in Vermont. Vermont Legal Aid (vtlegalaid.org) provides free Fair Chance in Housing Act guidance. Confirm current full scope and any amendments at publish time.
What housing programs help returning citizens in Vermont?
VT DOC (doc.vermont.gov/content/transitional-housing) coordinates 12 providers with approximately 243 beds statewide -- placement through the DOC case manager. Pathways Vermont (pathwaysvt.org) provides 98 apartments across Vermont. Burlington Housing Authority ORHP (burlingtonhousing.org; 802-864-0538) provides Chittenden County housing search and vouchers. VARR (vtrecoveryresidences.org) certifies recovery housing statewide. Good Samaritan Haven (802-479-2294) provides Barre/Montpelier area shelter and housing support. Vermont Legal Aid (vtlegalaid.org) provides free Fair Chance in Housing Act and housing rights guidance. 211 Vermont (dial 211) provides statewide referrals.
How do I find housing before my person is released?
Contact the VT DOC case manager about DOC-funded transitional housing -- the 12-provider network covers all DOC districts and placement starts through the case manager. For Chittenden County: contact Burlington Housing Authority ORHP (802-864-0538) with at least nine months to go on the sentence. For recovery housing: contact VARR (vtrecoveryresidences.org) for certified sober living. Review Vermont Fair Chance in Housing Act rights at vtlegalaid.org before the private rental search. Call 211 Vermont for county-level referrals. If the family home is in public housing, contact the PHA immediately. Given that 71 people in 2022 remained incarcerated past their minimum release date due to lack of housing, starting early is critical.
Do sex offenders face housing limits in Vermont?
Vermont does not have a statewide blanket distance-based residency restriction for registered sex offenders comparable to those in many other states. Individual supervision conditions set by the probation or parole officer may impose specific housing restrictions for registrants. Several of Vermont's DOC-funded transitional housing providers -- including Barre CJC and Montpelier CJC -- explicitly state that sex offenders are considered for their programs. Families of registrants must work directly with the supervising officer to identify compliant housing well before release. Confirm the current Vermont sex offender supervision requirements at publish time. ---