THE COMMITTEE ON TEMPORARY SHELTER

Vol. 32, No. 2 www.cotsonline.org Fall 2014

Give the gift that keeps on giving Alternative shopping Preventing homelessness ideas from COTS begins with children Send a Katharine Montstream holiday COTS advocates to end homelessness by preventing the crisis from ever card: Make a minimum $10 donation to COTS happening. And, one way we do this is by working with children in COTS in someone’s name, and we’ll send the recipient programs. a beautiful Katharine Montstream card with this message: “A generous donation has been made In 2014, COTS served 127 children in our family shelters. These are to the Committee on Temporary Shelter in your children who have frequently experienced repeated upheavals; many have name. This gift of warmth and shelter will help specific developmental needs that require special attention. families and individuals who are experiencing Our goal is to serve children now, and take action to prevent them from the crisis of homelessness make it through the being a risk for homelessness in the future. Homelessness is not just a harsh winter months. Happy holidays and best financial crisis but also an early education issue. wishes for the new year.” continued page 2 To order, call Casey at (802) 864-7402, Ext. 210 or email [email protected].

Share Cookies for Good: Sugarsnap delicious “Cookies for Good” is a “bake sale every day” for COTS: 35 cents from each $1 cookie sold goes to COTS. Serve the cookies at your holiday party, business lunch or send to a friend, co-worker or customer. A variety of flavors of the locally sourced treats are available. To order, visit www. cookiesforgood.org, call (802) 861-2951 or email [email protected].

Carry a COTS Flashbag: The Flashbags feature doorknobs from the Main Street Family Shelter. To order tote bags (available in 2 sizes), placemats or wallets, call (802) 864- 7402 or email [email protected]. For orders placed through COTS, we receive 50 percent of each sale.

Music to your ears: “Harmonies for Humanity, Vol. 1: Musicians raising money for COTS” This spring, we started a healthy snack program in family shelter that teaches features musicians created to benefit children about nutrition. Each afternoon, the children prepare a snack with the COTS. The $10 CDs are available at AmeriCorps member serving in shelter. Sweet potato chips are popular! our main office, 95 North Ave., Burlington. Preventing Homelessness...continued from page 1 Many of the children in our shelters are younger than 5. This is a critical time for a child’s development, especially ages 0-3. Brain research has shown that the environment in which a child is raised directly affects the way the brain develops. Connecting children with opportunities as early as possible will give them the best chance to succeed later in life. To this end, COTS’ Children’s Education Advocate connects children in shelter with quality early learning, after-school, and summer camp enrichment opportunities.

HomeFront is published twice a year, These connections are arranged to begin while a family is staying in shelter – and in April and November, by: continue after the children and parents move into permanent housing. Committee on We work with the Early Education Enrichment program to Temporary Shelter provide services to children in shelter. We also partner with the Burlington School PO Box 1616 Burlington, VT 05402 District on tutoring. 802-864-7402 A member of the AmeriCorps serves as a Children’s Program Specialist in COTS fax 802-864-2612 www.cotsonline.org programs, focusing on nutrition, wellness and physical activity. As part of this, Vermont’s first in-shelter snack program was launched in family shelter. The children Established 1982 prepare a healthy snack together – sweet potato chips, extremely popular! – and once a week make dinner as a group. The snack program is designed to address obesity and BOARD OF DIRECTORS food scarcity issues, as well as teach about overall healthy eating. Brigitte Ritchie, Chair Jeffrey Nolan,Vice Chair COTS staff also coordinates Debra Royce, Treasurer additional learning activities, Joyce Hagan, Secretary including field trips, arts projects, Beth Anderson Sean Collins and the COTS “book buddies” Catherine Dingle literacy initiative. Laurie Gunn George Hubbard We believe that each child Paul Lekstutis represents a thousand futures Michael H. Lipson – and this investment of time and Jeff Martin energy makes each one of those Michael New possible futures much brighter. Shelley Richardson Tom Torti We believe in ending homelessness, Rita Markley, Executive Director one child at a time.

Why are so many families in Vermont struggling? A United Way Member Agency In the past decade, the number of homeless families in Chittenden County has tripled, and families are the fast-growing segment of the homeless population locally and nationally.

The primary reasons so many working families are facing homelessness in our Editor Becky Holt community: low vacancy and high rents. Many low-income workers need to work multiple jobs (and many are) to afford housing in Vermont. Compounding that issue is

Writer the extremely low vacancy rate in Burlington, which hovers between .5 percent and just Gillian Taylor under 2 percent. A healthy rental market has a vacancy rate closer to 5 percent. Designer Lisa Cadieux, Liquid Studio COTS has adopted new programs and adapted existing services to help families successfully navigate these challenges. COTS staff members work with guests to identify follow us online their needs and set goals to address them — specifically as those goals relate to securing stable and sustainable permanent housing. They match guests with our programs — and www.cotsonline.org those provided by community partners — to find the best fit for each family’s unique needs. www.facebook.com/COTSonline @COTSvt Also, shelter guests do not pay for shelter with COTS. Instead they save 40 percent of their income to create a nest egg for when they move into their new home. Pinterest.com/cotsvt

www.cotsonline.org COTS HOMEFRONT FALL 2014  We achieve this through a multi-prong approach, across COTS programs. In family shelter, we discuss how low-flow shower heads can reduce water bills or CFLs or smart power strips can save money on utilities. For children, we make it fun – and explain how they can help Mom or Dad by flipping off a lightswitch in a room that no one is using. (The children even made decorations for their own lightswitches that they were responsible for in shelter.) As family exit shelter, we provide them with a care package of these resources and tools for their new home. Focus on the fix Despite what are sometimes daunting challenges, the culture Residents in COTS transitional and permanent housing at COTS has always been to focus on the fix. This year, we programs also received energy-efficient upgrades in their homes, launched ‘What The (Fix)’ Slam to celebrate and encourage as well as educational guidance about these improvements. problem-solving throughout our agency. And, finally, we’ve connected with more than 200 people who Staff and volunteers submitted two-page proposals that have sought prevention or rehousing support through the identified an issue, developed an idea to address it, and looked COTS Housing Resource Center. This program focuses on at financial feasibility and opportunities for collaboration with preventing families from becoming homeless or rehousing community partners. Last fall, staff submitted 20 proposals; them more quickly. One of the ways we help families at risk of some of which were immediately implemented with existing becoming homeless stabilize is through budgeting guidance resources. Others were moved forward to full proposals and and examining utility usage and practices. The partnership presented to all COTS staff at our first WT(Fix) Slam! Those with VEIC has enabled us to help people create additional semi-finalists were whittled down to three finalists who savings and reduce financial pressures. competed in our community WT(Fix) Slam in May. Staff presented a range of ideas – from a creative new fundraiser Canal Street Veterans Housing with local artists, to engaging guests in therapy that uses The progress toward ending homelessness among veterans has theatrical practices, to the ultimate winner, in partnership made national headlines for the positive strides made so far. In with 2-1-1, that transforms the 6-inch (literally) print resource Vermont, Canal Street Veterans Housing, which COTS opened binder into a digital tool that’s not only more portable but in 2011 in collaboration with Housing Vermont, is a successful easier to keep updated for community partners to use. program making major headway toward that goal. The event was hosted at ArtsRiot in Burlington, with guest The program provides two-year transitional housing for 16-18 judges: Mary Powell, Green Mountain Power Corp.; John formerly homeless veterans and their families at a time. Canal Killacky, Flynn Center for the Performing Arts; Katharine Street creates housing, not shelter. While veterans are living at Montstream, Burlington artist; Lesli Blount, VPR; and Rita Canal Street, they pursue job training, education, and address Markley of COTS. individual challenges. Our next WT(Fix) Slam is set for May 2015; staff are Earlier this year, COTS Executive Director Rita Markley and submitting proposals now. Kenn Sassorossi of Housing Vermont spoke at a national symposium, hosted by the Housing Assistance Council, in Washington, D.C., on the successful outcomes and partnership Talk about between COTS and Housing Vermont. an efficient connection Since opening, 29 veterans have successfully completed the program and moved into permanent housing. The average stay This year, COTS is about 14 months. Of the veterans who came to Canal Street, partnered with Vermont 76 percent improved their income while in the program. More Energy Investment than three-quarters of participants have achieved or made Corp. and Efficiency significant progress toward their educational goals. Vermont on a new program to connect low- Canal Street also has an active community that enjoys income households with collaboration with volunteers and veterans organizations. the benefits of energy- Meals, outings to baseball games, hikes and crafts are efficient improvements. extremely popular with veterans and their families.

www.cotsonline.org COTS HOMEFRONT FALL 2014  Thank you to our volunteers!

Blue Star Mothers of Vermont were honored with the 2014 Governor’s Service Award for outstanding service by an adult volunteer group for their contributions to COTS. The Blue Star Mothers prepare and donate a monthly meal for veterans and families living in Canal Street Veterans Housing and often drop off food donations for residents. They also award $200 to each veteran when he or she graduates the program and moves into permanent housing to help cover move-in costs. Dealer.com was honored with the 2014 Governor’s Service Award for outstanding service by a corporation of 50+ employees for their support of COTS. Dealer.com has been an incredible corporate partner, contributing multiple food donations and volunteers for the Daystation meal program, sponsorships of the annual COTS Walk, a donation of 750+ socks, and offering their business expertise to COTS leadership. Kathrine Mansfield, the VYDC AmeriCorps Children’s Programming Specialist in COTS Family Shelters, was honored with the 2014 Governor’s Service Award for outstanding service by a national service program participant. Kathrine developed children’s programing – including Vermont’s first snack program in family shelter – to encourage healthy lifestyle habits around physical activity and food choices among the children living in shelter during her term. (See more about this program on Page 1.) Howard Longway received a 2014 United Way Building Block Award for his volunteer commitment to COTS’ Canal Street Veterans Housing program. Howard delivers donations to Canal TOP: Kathy Baker (left) and Valerie Pallotta (right) of Blue Star Mothers of Vermont with COTS Street at least once a month that he Executive Director Rita Markley (center) CENTER: Gov. Peter Shumlin, with Jill Badolato has artfully collected from local stores, and Sean Collins of Dealer.com, and Peter Hayward of SerVermont (right).BOTTOM LEFT: friends and purchased himself. He Kathrine Mansfield with Gov. Peter Shumlin. BOTTOM RIGHT: Howard Longway with takes pride in offering new goods and Maggie Schwalbaum, program coordinator and case manager for COTS’ Canal Street items tailored to the specific needs of Veterans Housing individual veterans in the program.

www.cotsonline.org COTS HOMEFRONT FALL 2014  Nearly 2,000 walkers, volunteers, and supporters attended the 25th Annual COTS Walk in May. The annual 3-mile trek on May 4 around Burlington raised $180,000 for COTS shelter and services.

The walk would not be possible without Businesses: Booska Movers; Champlain the generous support of our sponsors: Investment Partners; Flat Fee Real Estate; Gardener’s Supply Co.; General Dynamics; Presented by: Flat Fee Real Estate Law Line and Vermont Legal Aid; Logic 2014 Corporate Partner: Supply; Murphy Sullivan Kronk; HomeBridge Financial Services MyWebGrocer; Northern Lights; People’s United Bank; Primmer Piper Eggleston & Community Sponsors: Cramer; Saint Michael’s College; Sen. Efficiency Vermont/ Patrick Leahy’s Office; Technology Vermont Energy Investment Corp. Consultants; TruexCullins Architecture & T-Shirt Sponsors: Media Sponsors: Route Sponsors: Interior Design; USANA City Market; Dinse, Knapp & McAndrew, Star 92.9 Dealer.com P.C.; The Dixie Six; Fletcher Allen Health Community: Adventure Girls; Mary FreePressMedia Duncan*Wisniewski Care; Gardener’s Supply Co.; Kave Audio; Markley & Julia Hurley; The Gems WCAX-TV Pomerleau Real Estate Northeast Delta Dental; Northwestern Planet 96.7 MyWebGrocer Faith: Cathedral Church of St. Paul & Vermont Board of Realtors; Queen City Christ Church Presbyterian; College Site sponsors: Printers, Inc.; RedStone; VSECU Street Congregational Church; First Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Inc. Generous in-kind supporters: Congregational Church of Burlington; First BlueCross BlueShield of Vermont Costco; Dok Wright Photography; Enterprise Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington; Casella Waste Management Rent-A-Car; First Congregational Church First United Methodist Church of Burlington; Darn Tough Vermont of Burlington; Hannaford Brothers Co.; Good Shepherd Lutheran Church; Ohavi The Residence at Otter Creek & Healthy Living Natural Foods Market; Green Zedek Synagogue; St. James Episcopal The Residence at Shelburne Bay Mountain Chorus; James Durbin; Chakra-5- Church; St. Pius X Catholic Church; United NorthCountry Federal Credit Union Records LLC; P&P Septic; PP&D Distribution Church of Underhill Vermont Tent Company Service; Saint Michael’s College; Staples; Schools: The Bellwether School; Burlington Starbucks; Sugarsnap; Symquest Group, High School; Union High Inc.; University of Vermont Athletic Dept.; School Key Club; Colchester High School; Verizon Wireless; Vermont Business Mater Christi School Girls on the Run; Rice Magazine; ; Vermont Memorial High School; Mount Mansfield Pure Springs; WB Mason; Wind Visuals Union National Honor Society; St. Francis Challenge Walkers Xavier School Baseball Team; Shelburne Community School; Shelburne Community Individuals: Scot Barker; Anna Buckley; Middle School; South Burlington High Beckie Bull; Denise Danyow; Bob Duncan; School National Honor Society; University Joyce Hagan; Sydney Holt Barker; Jack of Vermont Club AFECT Kearnan; Alexandra Lehmann; Michael Lipson; Rita Markley; Nan Mason; Lucy Many thanks to our community Samara; Stacey Sheehan; Nicole Stefanowicz; volunteers, team captains, donors Casey Therrien; Father Richard Tinney and walkers!

www.cotsonline.org COTS HOMEFRONT FALL 2014  We are grateful to our community — it takes all of us… COTS absolutely could not do the work it does without the generous support of our community.

Three teams fundraised and ran in the for Students from ’s Center for Service and COTS as part of Run Vermont’s Miles for Mission program Civic Engagement helped make signs for our COTS Walk and that benefits local nonprofits. COTS volunteers also hosted a cleaned family shelters and St. John’s Hall in preparation for the water station for the marathon. COTS Walk.

Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel, in conjunction with Darn Tough Students from University of Vermont College of Medicine and Smartwool, donated hundreds of new socks to COTS provided a meal to guests at the Daystation and did a deep shelters as well as the proceeds from their 4th Annual Charity cleaning in COTS family shelters, including the children’s playrooms, Sock Sale. The result? More than $600 for services and support kitchens, and Main Street garden. and many warm, dry feet. Heaven on Wheels Car Show, presented by McCaffrey’s Sunoco Gotta Have Sole Foundation, Inc. provided 24 pairs of new & Waggy’s Store & Deli and Community Bible Church, shoes for children in the family shelters. raised money for COTS and homeless prevention, shelter, and housing services. Vermont Energy Investment Corporation staff groups donated and prepared six meals for guests at the Daystation. The Vermont Lake Monsters hosted COTS Friends & Family Night thought and creativity that everyone put into these meals went in July. Tickets bought with the COTS code for that game helped above and beyond. VEIC has also worked hard with staff to make benefit COTS. our buildings more energy efficient (see more on Page 3). Citizens Bank sponsored another wonderful backpack drive, Liz Dyer and local homeschoolers hosted their 15th Annual “Gear for Grades,” that outfits all of our children with backpacks Homeschooler Bake Sale for COTS at the Fletcher Free and supplies for school each year. Library. The bake sale brought in more than $350, and they The Church Street Marketplace’s “Pachinko and donated all the remaining baked goodies to the Daystation. Champette,” spare change game has collected more than $3,500 Gardener’s Supply Co. helped since arriving on Church Street. beautify COTS shelters and permanent Burlington Furniture Company Anniversary Sale raised housing this summer. They donated more than $2,000 for COTS. seeds, plants, compost, and potting soil to the Daystation, family shelters, and Mirabelle’s Café continues to donate a cake each month to St. John’s Hall. Their generosity and children who are having their birthday in shelter. thoughtfulness means so much to us ECHO at the Leahy Center donated 100 $2 admission vouchers and really goes far in brightening the as well as family, dual and single memberships for children and their spaces where we serve our clients. families staying at COTS. Jamie Bright, a local singer- Twincraft Skincare donated hundreds of bars of soap to COTS songwriter based in Burlington known shelters. on stage as Silent Mind, has raised nearly $1,000 for COTS through the COTS Songwriters Hannon Home Center donated sheets and pillows through a Circle series he organized in partnership with local performers special in-store promotion. and Nectar’s Bar and Lounge. Jamie also included a benefit for Dean LePage generously donated a Pizza Putt outing to 20 COTS as part of his release party of his new album: Silent Mind, children in family shelter and partnered with Kevin O’Neill to “Good Morning, Mr. Bright.” donate a barbecue lunch to the guests at the Daystation.

The Flying Pig Bookstore donated 4 boxes of books for adults.

Housing Vermont did an amazing job at Firehouse Family Shelter, the Daystation, the Smith House, Canal Street Veteran Housing, and the Housing Resource Center with their landscaping volunteer project.

Abby Kirk donated more than 100 handmade rag dolls for children living in family shelter and receiving family case

www.cotsonline.org COTS HOMEFRONT FALL 2014  management services. Modeled on Rag Dolls 2 Love patterns, these Timberlane Dental Group donated toothpaste. dolls offer comfort during a high stress time. Chappell’s Florist donated beautiful recycled flower center Movies at Main Street Landing invited COTS to host their July pieces to the Housing Resource Center reception desk. movie night series, which raised more than $1,000 for COTS. K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers donated new toys and clothing to The Schoolhouse in South Burlington once again included kids in family shelters and support services. mothers staying in COTS’ family shelters as part of their Mother’s Ethan Allen Home Interiors donated pillows and bedding. Day brunch bag fundraiser. The Schoolhouse delivered donated brunch bags to moms who are in COTS emergency shelter. James and Lori Wilson donated 2 tickets to “1964: The Tribute” for COTS guests to enjoy. Logic Supply donated computers and Hickok & Boardman of St. Albans, Inc. donated 10 computer monitors. COSTCO made monthly gift card donations to support the Daystation meal program.

Rookie’s Root Beer, Nate’s Automotive, Apple Mountain, Leonora Dodge, Move You Fitness, Farmhouse Group, Hammerfit, Perkins Fitness, Flex Your Face, Aveda School c/o Kristina Hermanson, Marcy Einhorn-Hardy, Jordan Engel, Kyle Hand, Honest Yoga, and Bertha Church donated raffle prizes to the 3rd Annual Zumbathon©. Special thanks to Kate Barash-Engel for organizing the Zumbathon event and to all guest instructors who participated. The event raised $8,500 for the Daystation. Vermont Tour and Charter and Benways Taxi each donated one week of round-trip transportation to summer camp for children living in shelter.

Seventh Generation stocked our shelves with their green cleaning supplies in celebration of Earth Day.

Pet Naturals of Vermont, Vetri-Science, and Food Science Corporation donated a bunny and springtime-themed gingerbread house to family shelter.

The Farmhouse Center, Burlington City Arts, the Flynn Volunteer groups from KeyBank, Allscripts, Green Center for the Performing Arts, ECHO at Leahy Center, Mountain Valley School, All Souls Interfaith Gathering, and Sandy Valine of YWCA Camp Hochelaga together donated Milton Elementary School, Northwestern Vermont 11 one-week summer camp scholarships to children staying in family Board of Realtors, UVM Living/Learning Center, Keurig shelter. Green Mountain, Ohavi Zedek Synagogue’s J-Serve, MyWebGrocer, Mansfield Hall, Hallam Associates, Inc., The American Red Cross of Burlington donated 200 blankets General Dynamics, New Moon Café, St. Pius X Church, and 20 tarps, and Mater Christi School donated blankets with First United Methodist Church, Burlington Housing personalized notes to guests at the Waystation. Authority, and Essex Resort and Spa, donated and Essex Alliance Church donated hundreds of care packages to prepared meals and snacks for the Daystation. be distributed to COTS clients – including deodorant, toothbrushes, Heidi Dostal and Community Alliance Church, Second toothpaste, wash clothes, hand towels, shampoo, conditioner, Congregational Church, Instrumart, UVM Department combs, bandages, lotion, soap, and more. of Nursing, Laura Reed and members of Chapter 26- Burlington Drug Company donated 5 new twin-sized 2 of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, mattresses to St. John’s Hall. Richmond Congregational Church, Underhill Central School, Allen Pools and Spas, Champlain College Annie E. Casey Foundation and the Burlington Free Press Center for Service and Civic Engagement, and Systems donated office furniture to the COTS Administrative Offices, the & Software, Inc. all organized donation drives that collected Housing Resource Center, programs and shelters. a variety of much-needed items on the COTS Wish list -– from Sam’s Wood Furniture discounted furniture for Canal Street toiletries, to household items, to gift cards, pillows and bedding, Veterans Housing and COTS family shelters. clothing and non-perishable food.

www.cotsonline.org COTS HOMEFRONT FALL 2014  Creative Teamworks CSE, Inc. Thank you! Curley Court Reporting These generous businesses and organizations provided in-kind and financial support Cx Associates LLC during COTS’ fiscal year (Oct. 1, 2013-Sept. 30, 2014). In addition to the names here, Cybergrants hundreds of individuals and foundations have made financial and/or in-kind gifts Danforth Pewter in support of COTS programs and services this year. The foundations listed have Darn Tough Vermont requested inclusion in our newsletter. Daughters of Isabella, Madonna Circle Dealer.com A Single Pebble Restaurant Burlington Furniture Dee Physical Therapy A.M. Turk Tax Associates, Inc. Burlington Housing Trust Fund Dinse, Knapp & McAndrew, P.C. Adventures in Early Learning Burlington Telecom Dixie Six, The AIG Matching Grants Program Burnett Scrap Metals, LLC Discovery Map All Souls Interfaith Gathering Business Communication Services Inc. Dok Wright Photography Allen Pools & Spas Cabot Hosiery Mills, Inc. Duncan * Wisniewski Architecture Allscripts Cabot Vermont Dunkin’ Donuts Al’s French Frys Cady’s Falls Nursery E & M Mechanical, Inc. Amazing Smiles, Inc. Calvary Episcopal Church E & R Cleaners American Flatbread Carter’s East Brookfield Congregational Church American Red Cross Casella Waste Systems, Inc. EB Strong’s Prime Steakhouse Ampersand Properties Catamount North ECHO at the Leahy Center Apple Mountain Vermont Gifts & Cedar Ledge Builders, Inc. Edmunds Elementary School Specialty Foods Chakra-5-Records LLC Efficiency Vermont Argosy Foundation Chamberlin Elementary School El Cortijo Artisan Realty of Vermont Champlain Cable Corporation Eley Financial Management, Inc. ArtsRiot Champlain College: Employee Community Action Council of Ascension Lutheran Church Center for Comm. Service and General Dynamics Ashgate Publishing Company Civic Engagement Energy Futures Group Inc. Autumn Harp, Inc. Champlain Consulting Engineers Engineering Ventures AXA Equitable Champlain Investment Partners Ensave Energy Performance Bacon Block LLC Champlain Valley Union High School Enterprise Rent-A-Car Bagel Café, The Champlain Woodcraft Enviro Tech of VT Septic Services, LLC Bailey-Howe and Dana Medical Libraries Chappell’s Florist Essex Agency Inc., The Baker Distributing Charlotte Central School Essex Alliance Church Balance Team, Inc. Chef’s Corner Cafe Bakery Essex Center United Methodist Church Women Banana Republic Chelsea Green Publishing Essex Community Players, Inc. Barnes & Noble Booksellers Children’s Preschool and Enrichment Center Essex Resort and Spa Bauer, Gravel & Farnham Citizens Bank Ethan Allen Home Interiors Beavin & Sons City Market Onion River Co-op Fanny Allen Corporation, Inc. Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Inc. City of Burlington, Community & Economic Farmhouse Center Big Lots Development Office Farmhouse Group/Farmhouse Tap & Grill Bio-Medic Appliances, Inc. City of South Burlington Farrell Real Estate Co. BlueCross BlueShield of Vermont City of Winooski Fead Construction Law, PLC Blue Star Mothers Clark’s Truck Center Feldman’s Bagels Bluebird Tavern Clearwater Builders, Inc. Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Blueprints Etc., Inc. Clute Wealth Management First Congregational Church of Burlington Bobbin Mill Sand and Stone Co. Colchester High School First Congregational Church of Essex Junction boloco College Street Congregational Church First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington Bond Auto Parts Comfort Inn and Suites First United Methodist Church Boxcar Bakery Community Alliance Church Fitzgerald Veterinary Hospital Bristol Animal Hospital Competitive Computing Flat Fee Real Estate Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation Connor Contracting Fletcher Allen Health Care Bullrock Corporation Converse Bay Farm Partnership Flying Pig Bookstore Burlington Bedrooms Co-operative Insurance Companies Flynn Center for the Performing Arts Burlington City Arts Costco Wholesale #314

www.cotsonline.org COTS HOMEFRONT FALL 2014  FoodScience Corporation J. A. Morrissey, Inc. McCaffrey’s Sunoco Forest Park Realty Corp. Janitech Members Advantage Community Credit Union Frank Carruth, Inc. JCPenney Merchants Bank Fraternal Order of Eagles Jeff Corey Excavating, Inc. Meredith Parents Network FreePressMedia Jericho United Methodist Church Mervyn L. Brenner Foundation, Inc. Friendship Circle - United Church of Johnson Kana Enterprises, Inc. MGV Associates, Inc. Furchgott & Sourdiffe Gallery Kave Audio Microsoft Matching Gifts Program G W Tatro Construction, Inc. Kell and Company Real Estate Mid-Town Associates Gadue’s Dry Cleaning, Inc. Kelsey Trust Milton Elementary School Gannett Foundation, Inc. Keurig Green Mountain Mirabelles, Inc. Gay & Lesbian Fund of Vermont, Inc. KeyBank Miss Vermont Scholarship Organization, Inc. Gardener’s Supply KeyBank Foundation MJN Woodworks LLC General Dynamics K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers Modern Design Furniture Geri Reilly Real Estate Kiss the Cook Moneypeace, Inc. Gigunda Group, Inc. Krebs & Lansing Consulting Engineers, Inc. Montgomery & Merrill, PC Girl Scout Troop 30846 at IAA L/R Pest Elimination Services Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Goodrich PAC Match Lacey’s, Inc. Trust, Inc. Goodwill Chocolates MorrisSwitzer Gotta Have Sole Foundation, Inc. Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Move You Fitness Studio Grace United Methodist Church Commerce Murphy Sullivan Kronk Great Developments, LLC Lamoille Ambulance Service, Inc. MyWebGrocer Great Harvest Bread Co. Lang McLaughry Real Estate National Life Group Charitable Foundation, Inc. Greater Burlington YMCA Langrock Sperry & Wool, LLP National Life Insurance Company Greater Horizons Larkin Realty Nectar’s Green Mountain Chorus Las Albany Redevelopment Co. Center for CranioSacral Therapy Green Mountain Power Corp. LA-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries New England Federal Credit Union Green Mountain Tech Solutions Leddy Park Arena New England Floor Covering Company, Inc. Guild and Company Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel New England Housewrights, Ltd. Guyer Energy Team Real Estate & Leonardo’s Pizza New Moon Cafe RV Sale, LLC Leunig’s Bistro NFI Vermont, Inc. Hair Bands by Hilary Lewis Excavating LLC Nick Greilich’s Remodeling Hallam Associates, Inc. Logic Supply, Inc. NIKA Halvorson’s Upstreet Cafe Lutheran Church of The Good Shepherd North End Studios Hammerfit Motion Studio Mack Painting, Inc. NorthCountry Federal Credit Union Hannaford Brothers Co. Main Street Landing Company Northeast Delta Dental Hannon Home Center Mansfield Hall Northern Benefits, Ltd. Harrington Properties Manufacturing Solutions, Inc. Northfield Savings Bank Hayward Tyler, Inc. Martial Way Self-Defense Northwestern Vermont Board of Realtors Healthy Living Natural Foods Market Mater Christi School O’Brien Brothers Agency, Inc. Heavenly Cents Thrift Shop MAXIMUS Foundation Ohavi Zedek Synagogue Hickok & Boardman of St Albans Inc. May and Stanley Smith Charitable Trust Onion River Chiropractic Higher Ground Productions MBA Healthgroup P & P Septic Holland & Knight, LLP HomeBridge Financial Services, Inc. Howard Center IBM Employee Services Rice Memorial IBM Retiree Charitable Campaign High School IBM-Computershare students were Immaculate Heart of Mary once again the Independent Block, LLC top fundraising Industrial Services, Inc. team for the Infinity Brewing Company, LLC COTS Walk, Instrumart raising about Isaac’s Antiques $10,000 to J & L Hardware, Inc. support services.

www.cotsonline.org COTS HOMEFRONT FALL 2014  Pajama Program St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Medical Group Clinical Operations Payson Carpentry, Inc. St. John Vianney Church Panhellenic Council PC Construction St. Pius X Church Urban Dance Complex Penny Cluse Cafe Staples Verilux, Inc. People’s United Community Foundation Starbucks Verizon Wireless Perkins Fitness State of Vermont Vermont Business Magazine Pet Naturals of Vermont Steel Traders Shipping Ltd. Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation Pfizer Foundation Stellar Restaurant Group, Inc. Vermont Community Foundation Pinewood Beauty Salon, LLC Stephen & Burns Salon & Spa Vermont DAR, Seth Warner Chapter PJSC LLC, The Scuffer Steak & Ale House Stephenson, Inc. Vermont Department of Health Pomerleau Properties, Inc. Sterling Construction, Inc. Vermont Energy Investment Corp. Post 782 VFW Auxiliary Stone Underground Construction Vermont Federal Credit Union Preble Street Stowe Community Church Vermont Heating & Ventilating Price Chopper Community Relations – Stowe Gems Vermont Housing Conservation Board Box #204 Stowe Mountain Lodge Vermont Inspection Services, Inc. Prim’s House Painting Subway Vermont Korean American United Professional Postering & Distributing, Inc. Sugarsnap Methodist Women Quadric Software Sustainability Academy at Lawrence Barnes Vermont Lake Monsters Queen City Printers, Inc. Sweeney Design Build Vermont Moving and Storage Randolph Union High School Sweet Tooth Cupcakes and Shortbreads Vermont Mutual Insurance Co. Ray’s Seafood SymQuest Group, Inc. Vermont National Country Club Ready Funeral Service, Inc. Systems & Software, Inc. Vermont Pure Springs Red House, Inc. TD Charitable Foundation Vermont State Employees Credit Union Redstone Commercial Group Technology Consultants, Inc. Vermont Systems, Inc. Residence Inn Thomas Mechanical, Inc. Vermont Tent Company Resource Systems Group, Inc. Timberlane Dental Group Vermont Tour and Charter Rice Memorial High School Town of Charlotte Vermont Youth Development Corporation Richard Wolf Medical Instruments Corp. Town of Essex Vermont Zen Center Richmond Congregational Church Town of Hinesburg VetriScience Laboratories Rick Marcotte Central School Town of Jericho VHB Inc. River Berry Farm Town of St. George Village Green Florist Riverview Garage Town of Underhill VMF Fabrication Machining & Maintenance Robert A. Johnston Memorial Town of Williston W.B. Mason Training, Marketing & Technology, Inc. Walmart Rookie’s Root Beer Triad OB-GYN, P.C. Waterbury Hardware Roth Real Estate TRUiST WCAX TV Rovers North Underhill Central School Weinheimer and Associates, P.C. Saint Michael’s College: MOVE Office Union Mutual of VT Companies Wellspring Learning, Inc. Sam’s Wood Furniture, Inc. United Church of Colchester WEZF 92.9 FM Santa Night United Church of Hardwick White & Burke Real Estate Investment Sargent & McKinney Advertising United Church of Hinesburg Advisors, Inc. Second Congregational Church United Professions AFT-VT Wieman - Lamphere Architects, Inc. SecurShred, Inc. United Student Aid Funds, Inc. Williston Federated Church Selection Unlimited United Way of Chittenden County Williston School District Seventh Generation United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Winburn Law Offices Shadow Cross Farm, Inc. Merrimack Valley Windjammer Restaurant Shelburne Community School United Way of Rhode Island Wind Visuals Shelburne Museum United Way of the Greater Capital Regon, Inc. Windows & Doors by Brownell Shelburne United Methodist Church University of Vermont: WOKO 98.9 Sisters of Mercy Athletic Department Wow Toyz Sleeping Well LLC Club AFECT WXZO Planet 96.7 SMC Edmundite Community College of Medicine X-Ray’s Barber Shop Smugglers’ Notch Ski Resort Department of Nursing Xtreme Grafix, LLC Soles4Souls Department of Theatre Zinnia, Inc. SOS, Inc. Living/Learning Center Zumba Fitness with Jen Skinner-Cisse

www.cotsonline.org COTS HOMEFRONT FALL 2014 10 year in review 2014 Revenue $3,374,028 by the numbers 2014

Individuals & Businesses: 32% ($1,074,561) shelters Federal Grants: 22% ($728,006) Family Shelters: 78 families, including Foundations: 15% ($499,803) Rental Income: 10% ($344,341) 127 children, stayed in a COTS family shelter. State Grants: 6% ($208,075) We can host 15 families each night. Veterans Administration: 7% ($237,883) Adult Overnight Shelter: 301 individuals United Way: 4% ($123,681) stayed in a COTS emergency shelter, which Other: 4% ($157,678) provides 36 emergency beds each night.

Adult Daytime Shelter: The Daystation is the only daytime shelter for homeless adults in Chittenden County. About 40 people per day visit the Daystation, where a noontime meal is served daily with the help of volunteers.

REHOUSING & SUPPORT SERVICES COTS Family Services: 181 families, including those staying in emergency shelter or the community, received support from COTS staff.

COTS Adult Services: 206 single, homeless adults received outreach and support from COTS staff.

PREVENTION SUPPORT Prevention Assistance: 204 households experiencing crisis averted homelessness through the COTS Housing Resource Center.

Rehousing Assistance: 223 households received rehousing assistance through the COTS Housing Resource Center.

HOUSING Transitional Housing: 23 units of housing for families and individuals are offered by COTS at the Smith House and Canal Street Veterans Housing.

10 additional families were in transitional housing through Family Supportive Housing, a COTS-master lease program in partnership with HowardCenter and Champlain Housing Trust.

Adult Shelters: 16% ($546,533) Permanent Housing: 58 units of housing are Prevention Services: 12% ($384,302) offered by COTS at Smith House, The Wilson, St. Family Shelters: 24% ($789,007) John’s Hall and Canal Street Veterans Housing (with Administration: 7% ($239,751) Housing Vermont). Development: 11% ($381,290) Housing Facilities: 15% ($469,678) COTS services provided: 10/1/13-9/30/14 Rehousing & Support Services: 15% ($454,029) Expenses $3,374,028 *These are pre-audited numbers for COTS FY14 (Oct. 1, 2013-Sept. 30, 2014).

www.cotsonline.org COTS HOMEFRONT FALL 2014 11 Committee on Non-Profit Org. Temporary Shelter U.S. Postage PAID PO Box 1616 Permit No. 896 Burlington, VT 05402-1616 Burlington, VT 802-864-7402 www.cotsonline.org

3, 2015 , May Sunday Registration at 1pm Walk begins at 2pm Battery Park, Burlington

Find out more about these events – and how you can get involved – Mark your calendar cotsonline.org.

National Hunger Phonathon City Market The Coolest Candlelight Vigil & Homeless December 1–4 and 8–9 Tree Sale Lunch December 18 Awareness Week 5:30–9 pm Begins December 3 December 17 5:30 pm November 16–23 Morning hours available City Market noon–2 pm Burlington City Hall on December 10, COTS 82 South Winooski steps, Church Street Downtown Burlington November 19 Administrative Offices, 95 Avenue, Burlington Marketplace and Church Street 6–8 pm North Avenue, Burlington City Market hosts its Marketplace (at Each year, during the Alex and Ani Charity by At the annual Phonathon, annual Tree Sale to participating restaurants) week of the Winter Design Event, 15% of volunteers “dial for benefit COTS. The first The Coolest Lunch in town Solstice, we pause to sales donated to COTS dollars” to raise money trees will be delivered on raises awareness and reflect on those who November 20 for COTS shelters Dec. 3. All trees cost $35 money for COTS services. are homeless in our 11–12:30 am and services. These (all sizes) while supplies Dine outside to bring community. Community UNO Chicago Grill enthusiastic volunteers last. Volunteers needed to attention and raise money leaders share brief Dough Raiser, 15% of call COTS supporters to help with tree sales. Visit to help those in need vignettes about some of sales donated to COTS ask them to consider a www.citymarket.coop. this winter. Lunch is by a the people who have gift again this year. If suggested $25 donation. turned to COTS for help November 20 you are interested in this past year. A choir 6:30 pm joining us to volunteer, from Edmunds Middle Champlain College Film please call Gillian at School will perform. Screening, admission and (802) 864-7402, Ext. Refreshments follow in concession by donation 207 or email gilliant@ City Hall’s lobby. cotsonline.org.