BURLINGTON, Vt. -
Imagine being homeless on a night like tonight... it's hard to. But despite the bitter air, some people will be sleeping outside.
We wanted to find out what resources are out there for the homeless, who checks on them, and do they even use the help that's offered. Well, I got some answers. I went to a homeless camp in Burlington today.
Matt Sweet told me, "I like the freedom."
He's been living on the streets of Burlington for 25 years. He invited me into his home. His walls, milk crates… his bed, couch cushions... his kitchen, hangs from a tarp. For Sweet, 15 degrees is tolerable, but his limit.
"Lots and lots of blankets, we do have a campfire right over here," Sweet said.
Sweet shares the home with two others. I promised not to say where it's at because it's technically not supposed to be there, but most nights; this is where they bunker down. But when I stopped by, it was empty, which was actually good to see because that means many of the homeless have reached out and asked for help.
For the first time in a long time, Sweet slept inside Tuesday.
When temperatures dip below 20, and the shelters are full; the state pays for a few nights in a motel. Last year the state spent more than two million dollars on emergency motel stays.
I asked, "how did it feel to sleep on a mattress?" Sweet laughed and said, "I've got a back ache!"
The Anchorage Inn is where Stefanie Comstock and I picked up Sweet. Comstock is a Safe Harbor Outreach Case Worker. Every day, rain or shine, she checks on the homeless because being exposed to the elements can be deadly, especially if alcohol is involved.
"Their blood thins, and then their hands and feet get frostbite, it can be pretty severe," Comstock said.
I asked Sweet, "have you lost any friends because of the cold?" He said sadly, "last year, Paul, the year before that, Andy, and Bobby and yea... definitely."
Safe Harbor works with the homeless to get everyone an ID because you have to have one to stay at a motel.
Safe Harbor is also always in need of donations. I asked Matt what items are extra helpful… he said, socks, long underwear and Sterno.
