COTS Transitional Housing

Transitional housing is for people who are committed to regaining independence but need a little support to completely transition from emergency shelter to housing. Residents can live here for up to 24 months after leaving shelter, and are able to build good credit records while receiving support and services from COTS that enable them to live more independently.

THE SMITH HOUSE

Opened in the spring of 2002, this facility provides low-cost housing for up to 7 COTS clients who are transitioning from shelter and working with staff to overcome complex financial, health and/or substance-abuse issues. On average, 70 percent of the individuals living here move into permanent housing each year.

CANAL STREET VETERANS HOUSING

In February 2011, COTS began to welcome residents to the Canal Street Veterans Veterans Housing, a brand-new facility in Winooski that provides housing, ot shelter, to homeless veterans. There are 16 units of transitional housing and 12 units of permanent housing. The program was funded in part by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in response to the growing number of homeless veterans in Vermont and nationwide.

(See below for more details, as well as link to more information.)

COTS Permanent Housing

THE WILSON

Purchased by COTS in 1984, this former hotel provides 22 single-room occupancy (SRO) units for people who are living independently and share a common kitchen. A longtime COTS employee serves as resident manager.

ST. JOHN’S HALL

Opened in 1991, St. John’s Hall provides 18 single-room-occupancy (SRO) units and 4 apartments. Like the Wilson, St. John’s provides permanent, low-cost housing for residents who are living independently.

CANAL STREET VETERANS HOUSING

This new six-story development in Winooski, which opened in February 2011, provides up to two-year transitional housing for homeless veterans. The building's bottom four floors include 16 units (12 studios and 4 two-bedroom apartments); these units serve as transitional housing for homeless veterans.

An additional 12 units (10 studios and 2 two-bedroom apartments) of affordable, permanent housing, where veterans receive preference in placement, are available to rent on the top two floors.

COTS provides programming and staff for the transitional housing, including a full-time, live-in residential manager. COTS also connects veterans to other service providers in the community.

Click here to learn more about the Canal Street Veterans Housing