F.A.Q.

It’s FREE! Attending the program costs nothing for all eligible Vermonters (see eligibility criteria). We are funded by an annual grant from the Vermont Department of Mental Health.

Yes, provided you will be able to feel and be safe in a voluntary peer run program. Staff frequently support people experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Yes, we ask that you use your coping strategies responsibly. 

Alyssum supports individuals who use self-harm as a coping technique but we do not have medical staff on the premises. You must be able to manage this independently.

The length of stay varies from person to person and is mutually decided by staff and guests. Currently, the maximum length of stay is 5 days, and most guests stay for at least 3 days.

Yes, Alyssum currently allows people to smoke in designated areas.

Because Alyssum receives part of its grant funding via Federal sources, we are unable to allow the use of cannabis on our property.

Please pack light (1-2 medium sized bags) and include only essential clothing, toiletries, medications, specialty foods and personal/comfort items for your brief stay. Alyssum provides meals, linens and comfort amenities.

Yes, Alyssum has 2 private bedrooms, with 1.5 shared bathrooms.

Yes. There is a sign-out sheet, and we ask that you notify staff of departure and your planned return.

Yes. All visits must be pre-approved by staff.  Visitors must not be on the sex offender registry. All visitors must leave by 8:00pm.

Yes, Alyssum has wifi and a shared guest computer and phone. You are welcome to bring your own phone and laptop. There is limited cell service depending on your provider (AT&T works best here).

The kitchen at Alyssum is always open. Meals are flexible, guests and staff may plan and cook together or independently as needed. Guests who have special dietary needs should discuss this with staff before arrival.

With prior approval, Alyssum accepts companion animals with current vaccination records.

The house has awake overnight coverage and staff are present around the clock.

Yes. We request that guests plan in advance around issues that may interfere with their stay. However, we understand unexpected events can happen. We ask that you complete your exit paperwork and clean your room before leaving.

Each day at Alyssum is different because our approach is focused on the individual. There are a number of activities that staff and guests will frequently do together, including: Resting, art and creative projects, cooking and sharing meals, stretching and movement exercises, meditation and mindfulness activities, gardening, nature walks, playing or listening to music, EFT tapping, bonfires, river swimming, berry picking, journaling, and much more.

Together, we may explore and share about a variety of topics, including but not limited to: The impact of trauma, Grief and loss, Systemic Oppression, Thoughts and feelings of not wanting to be alive, Hearing voices and extreme states, Somatics and Body Pain, Life changes and transitions, Housing, community and support issues, Relationships, self-advocacy & boundaries, Addiction and navigating our relationships with substances

Spirituality, mindfulness, Crisis intervention and Planning, Self love, respect and esteem

Each day at Alyssum is different because our approach is focused on the individual. There are a number of activities that staff and guests will frequently do together, including: Resting, art and creative projects, cooking and sharing meals, stretching and movement exercises, meditation and mindfulness activities, gardening, nature walks, playing or listening to music, EFT tapping, bonfires, river swimming, berry picking, journaling, and much more.

There are currently no formal support groups held at Alyssum. 

People living without housing are welcome at Alyssum as long as they identify as being in emotional distress and want a peer support space. Alyssum is not to be used as temporary housing and stays will not be extended for this reason.