VT H0594

Establishes the Temporary Emergency Housing and Accountability Program for fiscal years 2027-2028, administered by the Department for Children and Families, with a tiered continuum of care prioritizing high-barrier shelters over hotels/motels

Caps hotel/motel room usage at 400 rooms in FY2027, with intent to reduce to minimum practicable levels in FY2028; hotels may only be used for overflow when shelter capacity is unavailable

Sets time limits for program participation: 60 days maximum for shelter placements (Tier 1/1A) and 180 days for transitional/supportive housing (Tier 2/2A), with hardship extensions available

Creates the Return Home Program to provide voluntary travel assistance for homeless individuals who maintain legal residency in another state and wish to return, with safeguards including written consent, 72-hour cooling-off period, and protections against involuntary displacement

Appropriates $30 million in FY2027 from the General Fund ($10M for program operations, $6M for shelter expansion, $4M for transitional/recovery housing, $4M for hotel/motel repurposing, $6M for VHIP permanent housing units) with intent to appropriate $25 million in FY2028