COTS Shelters

The Firehouse Family Shelter opened in 1988 and is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, serving up to five families at a time. The focus is on supporting families as they transition to permanent housing, with special attention to the children. It is one of two shelters in Chittenden County that provides families and children safe refuge and an opportunity to get help finding affordable housing. The Firehouse serves an average of 100 people from 35 different families every year. Photos

The Main Street Family Shelter opened in November 2002 and can serve up to 10 families at a time. Like the Firehouse, it operates 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. It features 10 bedrooms; a kitchen large enough for two families to cook at a time; a large dining room, family room and children’s play room; a fenced-in play yard; and a fully accessible first floor. Historical notes: this 5,132-square-foot building was constructed in 1806. It has a vaulted cellar that was used to store munitions during the War of 1812, and it served as a stop on the Underground Railroad, providing refuge to African- Americans fleeing slavery. Before its purchase by COTS, it provided dorm and office space for the YWCA. Photos

The COTS Waystation is a 36-bed shelter for men and women, ages 18 and older, who have no other place to sleep at night but the streets. The shelter is open from 6:15 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., 365 days a year, and includes a separate, eight-bed dorm for women. The mission of the Waystation is to provide safe, overnight shelter for homeless adults. The staff provide support and refer clients to COTS caseworkers and social service agencies. The staff strive to use every interaction as a learning experience to aid in the client’s transition from homelessness to housing. The overall goal is to help clients become as self-sufficient and independent as possible. Photos

This drop-in, daytime shelter for adults (age 18 and older) is open seven days a week, 365 days a year, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It offers a refuge from the streets and access to an array of services and medical care. On average, 700 to 800 individuals -- as many as 50 people a day -- visit the Daystation. It is located in the back of 179 South Winooski Avenue, on the lower level of the COTS administrative offices. Here people can meet with staff and learn about available resources, receive mail and telephone calls, and receive support, assistance and referrals. Two small rooms with bunk beds are available for those who work at night. A noontime meal, often prepared and donated by volunteers, is provided. Photos