Homeless Encampment Along Passumpsic River Cleared Amid End of Winter Shelter Program

A homeless encampment along the Passumpsic River is being cleared out. Town officials and public works crews are preparing to remove tents, tarps, clothing, and other items that have accumulated near the bridge to River Road. Joe, a man staying at the site, says he tried to keep his area clean, but as more people arrived, the encampment became impossible to ignore. Emergency crews have responded to incidents there, including drug overdoses and unpermitted fires. St. Johnsbury Town Manager Chad Whitehead says the property owner, Waste Management Inc., has now authorized the town to step in. While Joe says he’ll leave as directed, he’s unsure of where to go next. This comes the same week that Vermont’s winter motel sheltering program ended for some residents, forcing them to find new housing options.