Dear Neighbors,

The Montpelier Homelessness Task Force is inviting stakeholder representatives from the business community, the city government, advocates from the unhoused community, and those interested in a healthy, safe, and welcoming downtown, to a series of meetings to discuss the challenges surrounding the scene at Guertin Park. This is a parklet near Shaws in downtown where a number of unhoused individuals have congregated for several months. We recognize that this situation is the cause of deep distress and concern for many. Our intention is to focus on a clear-headed assessment of the challenges and to provide a strong framework for viable solutions going forward. The first meeting will occur at City Council Chambers on Thursday, April 7, from 6:30-8:00 PM.

The conversation will be structured to acknowledge and accommodate various and perhaps competing perspectives. While we understand that there may be strong passions on the issue, we ask all participants to focus on civil, respectful discourse and on concrete solutions to the challenges at hand. As members of the Homelessness Task Force, we are charged with both considering the needs of the unhoused population and of the relationships of this community with those with whom it interacts. The goal is to have a healthy, vibrant community in which the needs of all are met.

Oct 2, 2024, 7 to 11 PM

Oct 5, 10 AM to 5 PM, Oct 6, 2024

Oct 5, 2024, 4 to 6 PM