Beyond Shelter

Shelter may be the most obvious type of support COTS provides to families and individuals, but it certainly is not the only type. For example, our clients are required to save a percentage of their income each month (40 percent for families; 70 percent for individuals). This goal helps prepare them for a move into permanent housing within four to six months of their arrival in shelter.

COTS case managers work with families and individuals living in the community as well as in shelter – setting goals, helping them negotiate the complex welfare system, connecting them with affordable childcare resources and much more.

In 2011, COTS provided outreach and support services to 228 homeless families in both emergency shelter and in the community. In addition, 191 single, homeless adults received services from COTS case management staff.

In addition, with the help of volunteers, COTS provides clients with a number of opportunities for education and personal growth. These have included work force training programs, budgeting and financial management workshops, parenting classes, computer training, creative writing groups, women’s groups, individual tutoring, cooking and grocery shopping classes, and healthy food demonstrations.

Homelessness Prevention

How You can Help