Vermont Mourns Third Unsheltered Death as Winter Sets In
The death of a person found in a Berlin encampment over the weekend has reignited concerns about the safety and wellbeing of Vermont’s most vulnerable citizens.
The individual, whose identity has not been released, was discovered deceased at their camp behind a shopping center on Route 302 late Saturday evening. Authorities confirmed the death on Tuesday but are not releasing further details, including the cause of death, pending further investigation.
“Anytime there’s a death – or an untimely death – that the circumstances aren’t immediately apparent to us, we do an investigation in coordination with the medical examiner’s office,” explained James Pontbriand, chief of the Berlin Police Department. “It’s a little more public because it happened in that location, but we’re treating it as we would any untimely death.”
Julie Bond, executive director of Good Samaritan Haven, which operates a network of shelters in Washington County, stated that their organization had been working with the individual in the days leading up to their death. The deceased person had recently lost their housing through a no-cause eviction. Bond added that she had not previosuly seen the individual staying outdoors during the winter. She said the network provides services to help individuals find stable housing, however in this situation, the individual had limited options.
Good Samaritan Haven outreach workers were in “constant communication” with the person for the six days following their housing loss said Bond. The person was ineligible for shelter due to having a partner and pet. Even with no space available at shelters, the team provided support and secured temporary housing for the person in a motel room opened for Thanksgiving eveningonwards. However, the individual returned to their encampment on Friday in yet to date unexplained circumstances.
Bond expressed heartfelt sorrow, stating, “It’s heartbreaking.”
The tragedy in Berlin comes as the state grapples with two similar deaths in recent days. Tammy and Lucas Menard were found deceased in their Wolcott tent last Wednesday. Both individuals had been dealing with significant health issues and were forced to leave Vermont’s motel voucher program after reaching the 80-day limit set for participants. Their deaths are currently under investigation; however, authorities have stated that foul play is not suspected.
These heartbreaking incidents underline the precarious situation facing Vermont residents openly experiencing homelessness. As harsh winter weather descends upon the state, pleas for improved services and immediate shelter have grown louder.
This consortium reports this past fall saw over 1,500 individuals lose access to temporary housing provided via Vermont’s motel program after reaching its term limits.
Funding restrictions led officials to curtail the motel program’s reach.
Many of those affected by the program’s termination have been forced to seek alternatives, often resorting to living in exposed campsites.
Some recognized the growth of visible encampments, a trendemerging increasingly in various counties.
While the winter restrictions have since temporarily lifted, allowing some to return to motel accommodations, this season持有 stricter guidelines than earlier years.
Departments officials toldVTDigger the sliver of availability has decreased further this season.
Brenda Siegel, executive director of the group End Homelessness Vermont, issued a stark message, urging reflection and action:
“It’s time for Vermont to reckon – have a reckoning with itself – about if we really are committed to protecting our most vulnerable people. We’re going to have to own these loss of lives – and learn from it.”
What policies could be implemented to provide more accessible and comprehensive support for Vermont’s unsheltered population?
## Interview: A State in Mourning
**Host:** We’re joined today by Julie Bond, executive director of Good Samaritan Haven, to discuss the recent tragedy in Berlin where a person was found deceased in their encampment. Julie, thank you for being here.
**Julie Bond:** Thank you for having me. This is a deeply heartbreaking situation.
**Host:** Can you tell us a little bit about the individual who passed away and the circumstances surrounding their death?
**Julie Bond:** While I can’t disclose their name, out of respect for their privacy, I can say they recently lost their housing due to a no-cause eviction. Our organization, Good Samaritan Haven, had been working with them in the days leading up to their passing, trying to find stable housing options.
**Host:** You mentioned the individual was ineligible for shelter. Can you elaborate on that?
**Julie Bond:** Unfortunately, due to having a partner and a pet, they were unable to access traditional shelter options at the time.
**Host:** What kind of support was Good Samaritan Haven able to provide?
**Julie Bond:** My team was in constant communication with this individual, offering support and guidance. We even secured a temporary motel room for them for several nights, starting on Thanksgiving evening. However, they returned to their encampment on Friday for reasons we are still trying to understand.
**Host:** This tragedy comes on the heels of two other deaths of unsheltered individuals in Vermont in recent days. How does this latest loss impact the community and the ongoing conversation about homelessness in Vermont?
**Julie Bond:** It’s absolutely heartbreaking. These losses highlight the urgent need for more accessible and comprehensive support for Vermont’s most vulnerable residents. We need to do better in ensuring everyone has a safe and stable place to live, especially during the harsh winter months. As a state, we need to address the root causes of homelessness and invest in preventative measures and sustainable solutions.
**Host:** Thank you, Julie, for sharing your insights and shedding light on this critical issue.
**Julie Bond:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** This is a developing story, and we will continue to follow it closely. [[1](https://www.sevendaysvt.com/news/homelessness-remains-on-the-rise-in-vermont-survey-reports-35713500)]