Supporting  COTS

"Citizens Bank has often taken a broad, strategic approach to addressing homelessness across the state. For example, five years ago, to respond to an urgent need, they launched 'Heat the Shelters' program statewide, as Vermont's homeless numbers were spiking at the same time fuel costs were skyrocketing." 

-- Rita Markley, COTS executive director

According to Holt, close to 50 percent of COTS overall budget is provided by community support, whether through businesses like Citizens Bank, or volunteer efforts.

• Financial contributions of any size are needed year round.
• Donated goods and services are greatly appreciated. Visit www.cotsonline.org for giving options.
  
  

Articles

• COTS - More Than Shelter - On a peripheral level, we all know what Committee On Temporary Shelter (COTS) is, and what it's about:COTS, formed in 1982, is now the largest service provider for the homeless in Vermont. COTS owns and operates 10 facilities in the Burlington area which address the immediate needs of individuals and families who will not have a place to sleep tonight.
• Walking the walk: COTS WALK - Join 1,500 other walkers Sunday, May 1, for this annual fundraiser. Groups and individuals make the three mile trek through Burlington, on route through COTS shelters along the way, making it an educational event for families and groups. Organize a team to solicit pledges; sport teams, scout troops, neighborhoods, church congregations--all are invited: 1,500 walkers, three miles, one reason. Find out how to get involved by visiting COTS' website:www.cotsonline.org.

• Flash your support of COTS - In 2007, COTS teamed up with Flashbags, the Burlington totebag and accessory company. COTS' original bag featured general doorknob images. When it was time for an update, COTS opted to keep the doorknob theme - but this time - the doorknobs would tell another story about COTS. Burlington commercial photographer and artist Dok Wright was recruited, donating his time to capture the doorknobs (and accoutrements) at the Main Street Family Shelter. Then Flashbag owner Laura Cheney created a truly unique COTS collage with Dok's photographs.

   For orders placed directly through COTS, the organization receives 50 percent of the proceeds. 

   What's available:

   Medium bag (11" X 9" X 4.5"): $39

   Large bag (15" X 11" X 4.5"): $49

   Placemats (set of 4): $32

   Mini-wallet: $12

   Checkbook: $18

   To order a COTS Flashbag, contact Stephanie McKay at 864-7402, or email StephanieM@cotsonline.org. 

Resources

COTS emergency shelters for single adults

Waystation- 36 bed emergency shelter for men and women, opened in 1982

Eagle's Nest- overflow shelter, 16 beds, opened in 2009

Last year, 350 individuals were served at these two shelters

Daystation- daytime drop-in center open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m., serving noon meal daily

Last year, 779 people (average of 55 daily) used the Daystation

COTS family shelters

Firehouse Family Shelter (1988)

Main Street Family Shelter (2002)

Champlain Family Shelter (2009)

The only three family shelters in Chittenden County, 25 family capacity.