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Help for Youth and Young Adults in Vermont: Shelter, Drop In Centers and Crisis Lines

Help for teens and young adults in Vermont without a safe place: 1 800 RUNAWAY, Spectrum in Burlington and St. Albans, youth shelters across the state, and school rights for homeless students.

Need help tonight?

911Danger or emergency right now988Call or text. Crisis or thinking about suicide. 24 hours211Shelter, food, bills, anything else1 800 799 7233Someone hurting you at home. Text START to 88788

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Hi friend. If you are young and need a safe place, you are not in trouble for asking. These lines and centers are for you, and many are open 24/7.

1 800 RUNAWAYSpectrum, BurlingtonCall or text 988

Quick answers

Who can I call if I'm a teen and need help?

Call or text 1 800 RUNAWAY at 800 786 2929, or use the chat on 1800runaway.org. It is open 24/7 for youth and teens. Home Free is a no cost ride to a safe place for ages 12 to 21.

Official page: 1800runaway.org

What does Spectrum offer in Burlington?

Spectrum Youth and Family Services offers emergency shelter and transitional housing for ages 16 to 24, drop in centers in Burlington and St. Albans, and counseling for ages 12 to 30. For housing, call 802 864 7423, extension 302. For crisis, you can call HowardCenter's First Call at 802 488 7777.

Official page: spectrumvt.org/need-help-now

Are there youth shelters in other parts of Vermont?

Yes. VTLawHelp lists Elevate Youth Services (ages 18 to 24) in Montpelier and Plainfield at 802 229 9151, Interaction Youth Services (ages 12 to 23) in Brattleboro and Bellows Falls at 866 888 4498, and Windsor County Youth Services houses for ages 13 to 18 at 802 228 6880 and 802 226 7500.

Official page: vtlawhelp.org/homeless-shelters-and-help-homeless-people

I was in foster care. Is there help with housing?

The Youth Development Program helps current and former foster youth move into adulthood, including with housing. Call 802 229 9151.

Official page: dcf.vermont.gov/fsd/youth/resources

Can I stay in school if I have no home?

Yes. Homeless students have the right to enroll right away, even without records, to stay in their school of origin if it is best for them, and to get free school meals and transportation. Each school district has a McKinney Vento liaison. The Agency of Education is at 802 828 1130.

Official page: education.vermont.gov/student-support/federal-programs/consolidated-federal-programs/education-homeless-children-and

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Bunkly tip: the TrevorLifeline at 866 488 7386 is open 24/7 for LGBTQ+ young people ages 13 to 24. You can also text START to 678 678.

Who to call in Vermont

Here are official places to start. Other places may also help. Each place decides who it can serve, and hours change, so call ahead when you can.

More help in Vermont

Housing help in Vermont (rent, eviction, utilities)Find Help in Vermont: Where to Start with 211, 3SquaresVT, Medicaid and ShelterEmergency Shelter Tonight in Vermont: Burlington, Barre, Brattleboro and How to Get HelpNo cost Food Help in Vermont: 3SquaresVT, WIC and Food ShelvesNo cost Clothing, Showers and Hygiene Help in VermontJob Help and Free Job Training in Vermont: Job Centers, JobLink and MoreFree and Low Cost Health and Mental Health Care in Vermont: Medicaid, 988 and ClinicsDomestic Violence Help in Vermont: Safety, Shelter and Legal SupportHelp for Veterans in Vermont: Housing, Crisis Support and VA CareGetting an ID and Replacing Papers in Vermont: DMV, Birth Certificates and MailFree and Low Cost Phones and Internet in Vermont: Lifeline and MoreFree Legal Help and Tenant Rights in Vermont: Eviction, Benefits and ShelterHow to Make Blessing Bags in Vermont: Heat, Cold and What Neighbors Need

Sources last checked Oct 28, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.

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