Thread by @BrendaForVT

1/ This week I have been data gathering, trying to catch any errors for people being exited on June 15th.

Heartbreaking beyond words to sit in front of person after person, see their fear & not be able to help.

This is what I have seen so far. #vtpoli #crisisinvr

2/ 22 out of 45 I have interviewed so far have found recovery. Most SINCE entering the hotel program. We are about to rip that away. We know that it is near impossible to maintain recovery on the street. That data is clear. #vtpoli #crisisinvt

3/ 8 out of the 46 are escaping domestic violence, but can't get categorized as such. #vtpoli #crisisinvt

4/ At least 8 were homeless in their childhood multiple times. This includes at least 4 dumped out of the foster care system into homelessness.
#vtpoli #crisisinvt

5/ Several had a severe medical condition, ex: stage 2 kidney disease, diabetes w/meds need refrigerated, endocarditis, surgery a week ago, brain tumors w/ seizure, cancer, agoraphobia, autism, blood clots, copd, brain surgery, paranoid schizophrenia & more... #vtpoli #crisisinvt

6/ 40% have jobs or have been actively applying, many found them immediately after being sheltered with privacy. Some are being told because they are about to be unsheltered they will not be hired. Most feel concerned about maintaining a job without housing. #vtpoli #crisisinvt

7/ Many reported mental illness, including Borderline Personality disorder, 4 with bi-polar, severe anxiety & depression, history of suicide attempts, PTSD as a Veteran, severe trauma and more. #vtpoli #crisisinvt

8/ Several are in the process of applying for ssdi and those not working are usually disabled or in the process of getting the support that they need to be prepared to work. #vtpoli #crisisinvt

9/ 41 have looked for housing consistently. Some with service provider help, some were never offered it. They all describe many hurdles to being chosen in this market, rental prices that they can't afford and not enough support looking. #vtpoli #crisisinvt

10/ Not 1 of the 45 had an alternative after the program. They all will be going outside. Don't listen to the lie being told to us that "most had somewhere to go", that is political spin. I have been on the ground and it is absolutely NOT the case. #vtpoli #crisisinvt

11/ By end of Mon, I will have talked to most being exited on 15th. July, I will have talked to most in the program, we will see stigma & bias has driven unsheltering, NOT fact. Playing God & categorizing people is a dangerous game. We must shelter all VTers. #vtpoli #crisisinvt

12/ Playing with fire when you decide who will die & who will not. Many exited June 1 & 15 at severe risk, because our legislature is hell bent on saying SOME vters don't deserve shelter. By categorizing them, we determine their survival, it is not right. #vtpoli #crisisinvt

13/ Those with power do not know better than those experiencing it or those on the ground working on it. This data will provide FACTUAL information about who we are exiting, no more lies about who these human beings that we are pushing off a cliff are. #vtpoli #crisisinvt

14/ I wish anyone would sit & get to know the people you are condemning to the street. I am sure some of you steeped in privilege would continue to sit in judgement. But most, would see why some of us are fighting so hard along side those who need us most. #vtpoli #crisisinvt