Last Updated on February 1, 2024 by Lori Pace
It’s a struggle to make ends meet, It’s something many Americans have to deal with and many feel ashamed and afraid to ask for help. Many should know that they are not the only ones who are suffering and that there are many ways to help them. This page will be discussing how single moms can get assistance paying their bills in Vermont, and verap (Vermont Emergency Rental Assistance Program) is one of them.
What Is Verap In Vermont?
The Vermont Emergency Rental Assistance Program (VERAP) was created to help renters in Vermont dealing with financial challenges related to the pandemic. Until now, the eligible households will receive rental and utility assistance to avoid eviction or loss of utility service. However, this program is coming to an end when the pandemic has gone.
Hence, this article will also include some other supports for single moms and low-income families in Vermont.
Changes In VERAP (Vermont Emergency Rental Assistance Program)
There are changes that will be implemented to VERAP beginning December 1st, 2022.
- VERAP will STOP taking new applications for Rent.
- Participants who receive rental subsidy (such as Section 8) will no longer be eligible for rental assistance.
- Existing VERAP participants (those applying to VERAP prior to 10/1/22) will receive reduced rental and utility assistance dependent on income, according to the following schedule.
- Participants with incomes between 31-80% of Area Median Income:
- October 1, 2022, assistance will be reduced to 70%
- November 1, 2022, assistance will be reduced to 50%
- Rental Assistance will end November 30, 2022
- Participants with incomes at or below 30% of Area Median Income and below:
- October 1, 2022, assistance will be reduced to 70%
- Assistance will be provided until funding is gone.
- Participants with incomes between 31-80% of Area Median Income:
You can find more information on their website.
Other Assistances For Single Moms In Vermont Besides Verap
Citizens Energy
Citizens Energy works with large energy companies like oil companies to provide low-cost heating for the elderly and poor. Their company, CITGO Petroleum has been providing heat for over half a million seniors and low-income residents in 25 states over the past eight years. There are many assistance programs available, including free heating for those in need, natural gas heat assistance, shelter heating assistance, and solar energy. Visit their website for more information or call 1-877-JOE-4-OIL.
Capstone Community Action
Capstone provides services that help people achieve dignity and strengthen partnerships in Vermont communities. They work to alleviate poverty and keep families from it, are advocates for economic justice for all Vermont residents, and provide a variety of services including family and community support, child care food programs, energy-efficient education, and head start. Visit their website or call 1-800-639-1053 for more information.
Green Mountain Power
Green Mountain Power is a company that uses energy to make a difference. It aims to transform communities and improve the lives of others. There are many assistance programs available to Vermont residents who find Vermont winters difficult. They offer low-income rates for families in financial need, and a fuel assistance program. Vermont 2-1-1 is available for confidential service, it provides easy access to community information and helps with everyday needs in difficult times. Visit their website or call 1-888-835-4672 for more information.
Vermont Gas Benefits For Single Mothers
Vermont Gas aims to supply clean, affordable natural gas to almost 50,000 families, businesses, and institutions in Franklin and Chittenden Counties. The company’s energy efficiency and controlled emissions allow them to avoid nearly 10% of Vermont’s truck and car emissions. They offer a range of assistance programs to those who are in need. Low-income qualified residents can receive a 20% discount on natural gas bills. A weatherization program that makes homes more efficient and easier to heat is available to low-income families and individuals. Visit their website or call 1-800-545-1084 for more information.
Charlotte Congregational Church
The Charlotte Congregational Church, located near Charlotte, Vermont is a progressive Christian community. They offer a range of services, including working with the Lund Center to support pregnant and parenting teens and work with JUMP (Joint Urban Ministry Project), which aims to help families and individuals in need. The Habitat for Humanity helps them to build homes for the ones in need too. Visit their website or call 1-802-425-3176 for more information.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army (1865) helps those in need without discrimination. The organization provides assistance to near to 30,000,000 Americans each year with wide variety of community programs. A Friendly Kitchen provides meals for anyone who is in need Monday through Saturday between 5-6 pm. The Salvation Army provides emergency assistance and a food pantry too. Visit their website or call 802-864-6991 for more information about single mother benefits.
SEVCA Does Not Replace VERAP
Southeastern Vermont Community Action (1965) is located at Bellows Falls in Vermont. They work to support low-income single mothers in Windsor and Windham county, believe poverty does not have to be permanent, and that anyone can get the help they need to overcome it. SEVCA offers a range of assistance programs, including utility and crisis fuel assistance, food stamp outreach, and housing stabilization. You can find more information at their website, or call 802-722-4575.
