‘I don’t walk at night’

Residents and business owners in Burlington, Vermont, shared their concerns with Fox News Digital regarding the challenges the city is currently facing due to a rise in homelessness and drug use on the streets. Some expressed worries about their safety in light of these issues. 

Fox News spoke with locals on Church Street, a popular area in Burlington known for its boutiques and upscale restaurants. They noted a noticeable increase in homeless individuals in the downtown area along Lake Champlain, including those struggling with addiction to hard drugs like fentanyl, families impacted by economic hardships, and individuals resorting to criminal activities. Many residents voiced their apprehensions about public safety in the area. 

One young resident named Lucas shared, “It’s really good during the day, but during the night, like people have said, it’s really dangerous.”

Burlington, where Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., previously served as mayor, is the largest city in Vermont with an estimated population of 44,000. The city has seen a significant increase in homelessness in recent years, with outreach groups estimating over 350 homeless individuals living on the streets – a record number. 

Local leaders highlighted that many of the homeless individuals in Burlington are struggling with addiction, particularly to drugs like fentanyl and xylazine, leading to a surge in drug overdose deaths in Vermont over the past decade. First responders have been overwhelmed by the number of overdose cases in the city. 

While residents and business owners expressed compassion towards the homeless population, especially those dealing with mental health issues and addiction, they also raised concerns about the impact on the local economy, tourism, and overall well-being of residents. 

An elderly woman named Nancy shared, “I don’t walk at night,” citing safety concerns. She mentioned incidents of assault and violence in the area, emphasizing the need for increased safety measures. 

A local business owner named Patricia emphasized the importance of balancing community safety with support for the homeless and addicted population. She noted the impact of drug abuse and crime on businesses, leading some to relocate due to safety concerns. 

Tom, who works in the city, acknowledged the homelessness and drug addiction issues in Burlington but emphasized the need for more housing and support services. He also noted a decrease in police presence in the area compared to previous years. 

The city is actively working to hire more officers and allocate resources back into law enforcement following budget cuts that impacted the police department. About 30% of the police force was reduced through attrition. 

Concerning drug use in the city, Tom mentioned, “There’s a lot of needles on the ground everywhere,” underscoring the challenges associated with substance abuse. Despite these issues, he expressed feeling safe in the city and highlighted the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings. 

Other residents shared varying perspectives on public safety and the overall environment in Burlington. While some expressed concerns about drug abuse and homelessness, others viewed the city positively and emphasized the need for proactive solutions to address these issues. 

City leaders are actively engaging with the community and government to implement strategies for better access to mental health facilities, public housing, shelters, and drug treatment programs. These efforts aim to address the root causes of homelessness and addiction in Burlington. 

When asked for comment on the city’s current challenges, Sen. Sanders’ team did not respond immediately to the request for input.