Chittenden Bank donates $3,000 to the Committee on Temporary Shelter

In 1982, a group of concerned community members and organizations came together to address the needs and concerns of Burlington s homeless population. On December 24, 1982, the Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS) opened its doors for the first time providing overnight shelter to people without homes during that winter season. In 1983, the organization incorporated as a non-profit and began a year round operation. COTS has become a valuable resource in Chittenden County for individuals in need of shelter, a place to sleep, healthcare, job training and counseling services.
As we begin to enter the colder months, the need for shelter becomes even more critical. Unfortunately, during these hard economic times, homelessness is affecting many Vermonters. COTS continued ability to address homelessness is invaluable and we are proud to support their efforts to provide shelter to individuals and families, said Kathy Schirling, Senior Vice President Chittenden Bank.
"We've experienced a staggering increase in the number of homeless families with children turning to COTS for shelter and services, and are desperately scrambling to meet this unprecedented need. Currently, there are 22 families on our family shelter waiting list, " explained Beth Krueger, COTS Grants Manager. "Chittenden Bank's support comes at a critical time, as COTS moves forward with an emergency response this winter."
The focus and effort to prevent homelessness, and improve the daily lives of those in need has grown beyond COTS original format. For the past 10 years, COTS and the Burlington Housing Authority have worked closely to address the main cause of homelessness in the area: lack of affordable housing. This partnership resulted in the Rental Opportunity Center, a program that matches appropriate candidates with landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers. Currently, over 100 landlords participate in this program helping approximately 600 families and individuals find safe, decent, and affordable housing.
COTS Mission
COTS advocates for long-term solutions to end homelessness. We believe in the value and dignity of every human life, that housing is a fundamental human right, and that emergency shelter is not the solution to homelessness. For more information visit www.cotsonline.org or call 802-864-7402.
About Chittenden Bank
Chittenden Bank, which has proudly served individuals and businesses statewide since 1906 is a division of People's United Bank, a federally-chartered savings bank with $20 billion in assets. People's United Bank provides consumer and commercial banking services through a network of more than 300 branches in Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine and New York. Through additional subsidiaries, People s United Bank provides equipment financing, asset management, brokerage and financial advisory services, and insurance services. For more information please call 800-545-2236 or visit www.chittenden.com.