Holiday Toy Shop
Thank you for making the holidays special for children and families experiencing homelessness. Your generosity makes a huge difference for people in shelters.
COTS Phonathon
The Phonathon is our oldest, and one of our most important fundraisers! It is pivotal for our programs. Since the 80's, the week after Thanksgiving, dedicated supporters call our donors and ask them if they will once again make a gift to COTS this year. It is a cozy holiday atmosphere! This year's Phonathon runs from Dec 2-Dec 5 from 5:30 pm-8 pm. You can help by either calling our donors or Phone-A-Friending- no voice to voice contact necessary.
At COTS...
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.
Be the change
Help those experiencing homelessness find hope and a brighter future by becoming a COTS volunteer. Discover our rewarding volunteer opportunities!
COTS' Mission Statement
COTS advocates for long-term solutions to end homelessness and provides emergency shelter, services, and long-term housing for people who are experiencing homelessness or are marginally housed.
Our Services
Support for those experiencing homelessness from financial assistance and emergency shelter to housing navigation and long-term housing solutions.
Our Impact
COTS is the largest provider of housing & homelessness prevention services in Vermont. Last year we helped 1,366 people, including 317 children.
252
Households
including 293 adults and 132 children, received housing and services through the COTS Housing Resource Center.
159
Individuals
stayed at the Waystation, COTS' year-round overnight shelter, and received housing and supportive services.
203
Adults
and 67 children experiencing homelessness in area hotels received re-housing and support services.
130
Households
including 102 children, received prevention assistance and services to avert homelessness.
145
Individuals
including 91 children received housing support through the Family Supportive Housing program.
36
Families
including 65 children, stayed in a COTS family shelter and received housing and supportive services. Specialized programs were also offered for children.
1784
Individuals
visited the Daystation, COTS' daytime drop-in center for lunch, showers, laundry, and services.
Who is COTS?
Our leadership team and Board of Directors bring a wealth of varied experience to best serve our community.
Get Help
Receive personalized help for your immediate shelter, resources and support needs.
Give Help
Make a difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness.
Where are we?
Our Locations
We operate 95 units of transitional housing and affordable permanent housing in the Burlington and Winooski areas to provide vital support to individuals experiencing homelessness in the area.
Want to get involved?
Ways to Give
Take action against homelessness in Vermont. We offer multiple ways for you to help support our mission.
Donate - Give online or by phone, mail, or EFT.
Wish List - Help fulfill the COTS wish list by donating hygiene items in person or on our Amazon Wishlist.
Alternative Giving - Hold a facebook fundraiser or purchase Cookies for Good to benefit COTS.
Give the gift of time...
Volunteer
You can volunteer for COTS in many ways, and we appreciate all types of skills and areas of expertise. COTS volunteer needs are constantly changing, so if you’d like to stay up to date on our volunteer opportunities, we encourage you to fill out our brief volunteer application!
We were not in the position to give a substantial amount of money, but we could give time, even if it was just a little. I love that COTS does not simply put a Band-Aid on the issue of homelessness. They help by providing specific tools.
— Jill Diemer, volunteer
To assist COTS in a small way in providing absolutely vital services to people, in a compassionate, empowering and effective manner, is a privilege that brings additional meaning and purpose to my life. In my career as a public librarian, and now as a volunteer at COTS, I focus on understanding the needs of our clients, matching them with appropriate resources and services at COTS, and doing so in a way that is welcoming and encouraging.
— Bill Talentino, volunteer
Read the Latest on Our Blog
Stay up to date on recent happenings, events, news, and more.
Join in support-October Boot Drive
People experiencing homelessness walk an average of 10 miles per day, no matter the weather. Increased risks of physical injury, poor hygiene, and inadequate footwear have been cited as contributing factors to the development of foot problems.
Success! COTS Back to School Bonanza
The COTS Back to School Bonanza. A free community event where any Vermont students, grades K-12, who are in need can come de-stress and have fun while they pick out school supplies and a backpack as well as first day of school outfits. This year, the third year running, with your help we were able to provide 241 students with new backpacks and school supplies in a fun environment. Each student received a great abundance of supplies and a backpack to feel set for the school year.
Upcoming Events
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