Help after prison or jail in Vermont
We've found 12 places in Vermont for people after prison or jail, mostly in Rutland, Burlington and Montpelier, and 6 that serve the whole state. Our volunteers haven't confirmed these yet, so a quick call ahead is worth it. Most of them help with shelter & housing (8), food (5) and benefits & cash (5).
Places in Vermont
Vermont 211
Free, confidential information and referral line for any need in Vermont, from food and shelter to recovery and legal help. Dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898211 and a specialist searches the statewide database with you.
Vermont DOC Transitional Housing Program
The state funds 12 community providers with about 243 beds and apartments for people leaving Vermont incarceration who are release-eligible but have no appropriate place to go. Providers add support services aimed at moving residents into permanent housing; placement is arranged through the DOC rather than walk-in.
COTS Daystation
Daytime drop-in center for adults 18 and over without children in Burlington, open every day of the year with lunch at 12:30, showers, laundry, computers, and housing staff. It is also the intake point for the COTS Waystation overnight shelter and the Winter Warming Station.
ANEW Place
Chittenden County homeless services agency for adults that runs a sober shelter at 89 North Street in Burlington plus a pathway of transitional and supportive housing. Entry starts by getting on the waitlist through the referrals page.
Legal Services Vermont / Vermont Legal Aid Helpline
Free civil legal help for low-income Vermonters on housing, benefits, family, health, debt, and victim issues. Leave a message on the helpline or fill out the online Legal Help Request Form; staff call back within about 5 to 10 days and free interpreters are provided.
Vermont Vital Records Office
Certified Vermont birth certificates cost $10 and are available from any Town or City Clerk, by mail with the application form, or online through the Vermont State Archives portal for a $2 processing fee. Only family members, legal guardians, certain court-appointed parties, or their legal representatives can order, and valid ID is required.
Vermont DMV Non-Driver Identification Card
State photo ID for Vermont residents who do not drive, issued at DMV offices with proof of identity and Vermont residency. A REAL ID version needs identity, Social Security number, residency, and lawful status documents.
3SquaresVT and Benefits Service Center
Vermont's SNAP program and the Benefits Service Center that handles applications for food, health, and cash assistance. Apply online through the myBenefits portal or request paper Form 202 by phone; households at or below 185% of the federal poverty level generally qualify.
Rutland Dismas House
Family-style transitional home in Rutland for people coming out of prison, where residents, staff, and volunteers share weekday dinners in a structured therapeutic community. One of five Dismas houses in Vermont; apply with the Resident Application form on the website.
Homeless Prevention Center
Rutland County agency for families and individuals who are homeless or facing eviction, offering homelessness prevention, supportive services, and housing help by appointment. Anyone in Rutland County needing shelter tonight is directed to the state line at 800-775-0506.
BROC Community Action
Community action agency for Rutland and Bennington Counties with a Rutland food shelf, 3SquaresVT application help, rental and homelessness assistance, fuel and utility aid, weatherization, tax help, and victim services. Food shelf visitors sign up privately online before coming in.
Good Samaritan Haven
The only adult emergency shelters in Washington County: Turret House at 137 Barre Street in Montpelier, the Welcome Center in Berlin, Seminary Street House in Barre, and a recovery-oriented sober house in Barre Town. Beds are assigned by the intake coordinator by phone on weekday mornings and early afternoons.
National lines that work in Vermont
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.