People in Burlington who are experiencing homelessness will have a warm place to stay this weekend as the city opens a temporary cold-weather shelter in response to the forecasted single-digit temperatures. The shelter, located at the Miller Center in the New North End neighborhood, will be open from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, and Sunday, Dec. 22. This initiative aims to provide a safe haven for those in need during the extreme cold spell.
Shelter Details and Logistics
The city’s Parks and Recreation Department will offer transportation to the shelter from two designated locations, ensuring easy access for individuals seeking refuge from the cold. The shelter, a low-barrier facility specifically for adults, will welcome pets as well. Families with children are encouraged to reach out to 211 or the state’s Department for Children and Families to access alternative accommodations through Vermont’s motel voucher program. Operating Procedures and Services
No pre-registration is required for individuals seeking shelter, with admission being granted on a first-come, first-served basis. The Miller Center gym will be transformed into a sleeping area, capable of accommodating up to 100 people, although an estimated 40-80 individuals are expected to utilize the facility. Meals will be provided in the evening and morning, ensuring basic necessities are met for those taking shelter. The facility will be staffed by a combination of city personnel and workers from the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity, with additional support from the Vermont Agency of Human Services. City’s Response and Community Impact
City officials took swift action to open the emergency shelter in light of the dire situation faced by over 250 individuals currently sleeping outside in and around Burlington. The delay in launching another seasonal shelter until mid-January, coupled with the full capacity of the state’s motel voucher program, has left many vulnerable individuals without options for shelter. The collaborative efforts of various organizations and agencies aim to address this urgent need in the community.
No pre-registration is required for individuals seeking shelter, with admission being granted on a first-come, first-served basis. The Miller Center gym will be transformed into a sleeping area, capable of accommodating up to 100 people, although an estimated 40-80 individuals are expected to utilize the facility. Meals will be provided in the evening and morning, ensuring basic necessities are met for those taking shelter. The facility will be staffed by a combination of city personnel and workers from the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity, with additional support from the Vermont Agency of Human Services.
City’s Response and Community Impact
City officials took swift action to open the emergency shelter in light of the dire situation faced by over 250 individuals currently sleeping outside in and around Burlington. The delay in launching another seasonal shelter until mid-January, coupled with the full capacity of the state’s motel voucher program, has left many vulnerable individuals without options for shelter. The collaborative efforts of various organizations and agencies aim to address this urgent need in the community.
As we reflect on the upcoming holiday season, let us remember the importance of extending a helping hand to those in need, especially during harsh weather conditions. By supporting initiatives like the temporary cold-weather shelter in Burlington, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our fellow community members. Let’s come together to ensure that everyone has a warm and safe place to call home, even in the coldest of nights.
