People’ s United Community Foundation, the philanthropic arm of People’ s United Bank, has announced that it has awarded $5,000 to the Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS) in Burlington, Vermont.
Focusing on long-term solutions to end homelessness, COTS offers prevention assistance, support services, and transitional and permanent housing for those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. As the largest homeless service provider in Vermont, COTS also operates the only two family shelters in Chittenden County.
The grant from People’ s United Community Foundation will support its Housing Resource Center (HRC). The center, which assists families and individuals in crisis, is designed to help prevent at-risk households from losing their existing homes due to unforeseen circumstances. The program allows those who are without permanent shelter to move more rapidly into stable housing.
COTS is incredibly grateful to People’ s United Community Foundation for its generous support of our COTS Housing Resource Center,’ said Rita Markley, COTS Executive Director. ‘ We have helped many Vermont families who would have otherwise become homeless without the prevention and outreach services funded by the foundation.’
‘ We are pleased to partner with COTS in their efforts to reduce homelessness,’ said Michael Seaver, Officer, People’ s United Community Foundation and President of People's United Bank in Vermont. ‘ Just one small unforeseen event, such as a job loss, can cause foreclosure or the inability to pay for food or heat. By supporting the Homeless Prevention program through COTS, we hope to provide stability for low-income individuals and families in Vermont.’
Established in 2007, People’ s United Community Foundation was formed to help support programs and activities that enhance the quality of life for citizens in the communities that People’ s United Bank serves. People’ s United Bank, founded in 1842 and serving customers from New York to Maine through a network of 419 branches, is the largest independent bank headquartered in New England. The Foundation places special emphasis on programs designed to promote economic self-sufficiency, education and improved conditions for low-income families and neighborhoods. The funding priorities of the Foundation include community development, youth development, and affordable housing.