T H E C O M M I T T E E O N T E M P O R A R Y S H E L T E R

Vol. 30, No. 2 www.cotsonline.org fall 2012

Daystation recovery under wayJuly 4 storm destroys daytime shelterOn July 4, a violent storm destroyed the COTS Daystation, our community’s only daytime shelter for homeless adults. This facility has been a vital refuge for the homeless in Burlington for nearly 20 years.

Rainwater from the intense storm flooded the city streets above the Daystation, ultimately rushing over the walls and crashing down into the COTS’ program through the air exchange system. More than 16 inches of stormwater, sewage and mud filled the space. Everything was lost – furniture, computers, appliances and supplies.

For adults struggling with homelessness, the Daystation is the place to get a warm cup of coffee on a freezing day or to dry soaked clothes. The Daystation is the COTS program where many people in need first connect with resources that can help them return to stability and permanent housing. The program is designed to be a low-threshold support system and central space to connect with COTS services and community resources. Also, 365 days a year, a nutritious noontime meal – the only free option downtown – is served daily in the Daystation.

COTS staff regularly assists Daystation guests with employment and housing through support groups as well as in navigating the paperwork. They coordinate educational presentations, health screenings and veterans outreach with the VA and partner agencies. Volunteers provide haircuts. Guests receive mail, email and phone messages. They do their laundry.

This year, more than 926 individuals used the Daystation. Many guests are veterans, elderly and disabled. Overall, about 95% of clients in this program are extremely low income (30% of median), while 5% are low income (50% of median).

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COTS celebrates 30 years of service

On Christmas Eve 1982, COTS opened its doors with two volunteers on hand to welcome anyone who needed shelter. Temperatures were well below freezing. That first winter, six or seven men – mostly veterans – typically spent the night.

Today, the Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS) is the largest service provider for the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless in Vermont. COTS, a private nonprofit, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, operates 11 programs in multiple locations in the Burlington area, including the only family shelters in Chittenden County, an overnight shelter and a daytime shelter for single adults, and four facilities providing permanent and transitional housing for people moving out of shelter, veterans, the disabled, and the elderly. COTS, a private nonprofit governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, operates the only two family shelters in Chittenden County, an overnight shelter and a daytime shelter for single adults, and for facilities providing permanent and transitional housing for people moving out of shelter, veterans, the disabled and the elderly.

Committee on temporary Shelter

PO Box 1616 Burlington, VT 05402

802-864-7402fax 802-864-2612

www.cotsonline.org

Established 1982

BoarD oF DireCtorS Michael New, Chair

Brigitte Ritchie, Vice ChairBeth Anderson

Lesli BlountSean Collins

James J. FoglerLaurie GunnJoyce Hagan

George HubbardCatherine Kronk

Paul LekstutisMichael H. Lipson

Marc H. MonheimerJeffrey NolanRon RedmondSteve RobertsDebra Royce

Patrick ThorntonTom Torti

Rita Markley, Executive Director

A United Way Member Agency

HomeFront is published twice a year, in December and April, by:

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editor Becky Holt

Writers Nicolle Marshall & Gillian Taylor

Designer Lisa Cadieux, Liquid Studio

FolloW uS onlinewww.cotsonline.orgwww.facebook.com/COTSonline@COTSvt

Through the summer, COTS operated the program from two relocation sites. First United Methodist Church in Burlington has graciously offered to host the Daystation this winter in its parsonage.

“First United Methodist Church in Burlington is blessed with the facilities we have, and we are grateful when we can partner with organizations like COTS to serve our neighbors,” the Rev. Mark Demers said.

And, through our generous community support, COTS has replaced lost items and supplies, served lunch and searched for a permanent new home for the program. We are incredibly grateful. There are still many opportunities to help with the Daystation Recovery & Renewal; contact us to learn how: (802) 864-7402 or nicolem@cotsonline.org.

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What makes COTS unique is that while we help people who are homeless and in crisis, we also work to create systemic change that will end homelessness. Each year, we help more than 2,000 people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless with shelter, prevention, outreach, and housing.

This year, as we mark 30 years of service to our community, COTS looks forward. We celebrate COTS’ commitment to innovative solutions to end homelessness through prevention, retention and rapid re-housing.

We invite you to join us.

We would like to thank our amazing community for their support with the Daystation:

Lunches provided by: Maggie Schwalbaum & louise Merriam; Patti Wehman & friends; Becky Holt & Scot Barker; Sen. Patrick leahy’s office; leonardo’s Pizza; Mary Pollard & Kim Borsavage; KeyBank; VHCB ameriCorps Member, Jen Dunlap; Karen Carlson & friend; Rock Point School; Stacks Sandwiches; St. andrews Episcopal Church; Peggy & Richard Muenier; langrock, Sperry & Wool; 800response.com; Congressman Peter Welch’s office; laurie Gunn & family; lund family Center; Baird 4 Nursing Unit Council at fletcher allen; Sally Ballin & friends; VEIC; Texas Roadhouse; Julie lowell & arly Scully; UVM Student life; Jane Phillips; Sign-a-Rama; Trinity Episcopal Church; Vermont Public Radio (VPR); Papa frank’s Restaurant; liz foster; Trish Stewart; The oxford Network; The food Shelf’s Community Kitchen Program; first Congregational Church; VfW; Saint Michael’s College MoVE -- Baked love program; Theresa Randall; Price Chopper on Shelburne Road; and Champlain College’s Dining Services.

In-kind donations provided by: logic Supply Co.; Dealer.com; State of Vermont’s Waterbury offices; KeyBank; Champlain College; action Moving and Storage; Vermont Energy Investment Corp. (VEIC); Gadue’s Dry Cleaning; Systems & Software, Inc.; The Chittenden Emergency food Shelf; faith United Methodist Church; EJU Ecumenical food Shelf in Jericho; Green Mountain aquatics; Burlington Country Club and The Edge swim teams; College Street Congregational UCC; fletcher/CSI; oleet & Co., llC; University Mall; VCHIP, and many, many others.

30 years...continued from page 1

Save the DateCANDLELIgHT VIgIL5:30 pm, December 20, 2012City Hall steps, Church Street Marketplace at this year’s memorial service to honor those served by CoTS, we will share personal stories and light a candle for those helped by CoTS in its 30-year history.

30TH ANNIVERSARY gALAMarch 20, 2013, Hilton The focus of the dinner is on the future and how preventing homelessness is vital to ending it. We will spotlight innovative strategies and honor community partners, businesses and individuals who have worked toward CoTS achieving this aim.

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New and working at COTSCOTS Housing Resource Center launches COMPASSThe COMPASS (COMPrehensive Assistance toward Self Sufficiency) is a risk-guarantee program designed for families and individuals who are able to pay rent but have a damaged rental or credit history that creates a major obstacle to housing.

COTS staff work with the households on strategies to improve their credit standing, as well as with the issues that prompted past problems. COTS also provides financial support: The COTS risk guarantee pool, funded by private foundation support, ensures that if a landlord does have expenses (such as an eviction or extreme damage) from someone in the COMPASS program, COTS will cover those costs to an agreed upon limit. If, however, after 1-2 years of success without problem, the resident will enter a standard landlord-tenant agreement. The funds then will be used to help another household in need.

This program’s goal is to help households with a difficult past overcome it and create a successful new start.

Home Again provides transitional housing for familiesHome Again is a transitional housing program for families. After a brief shelter stay, families move into apartments leased by COTS, allowing families to immediately begin restoring their housing credit and landlord references.

This solution also lets children avoid the challenges of congregant shelter living.

COTS staff continue to work closely with the families, supporting them on their plan toward a goal of permanent, sustainable housing.

The program was made possible through collaborative funding, including a private foundation gift and grant from the Saint Michael’s College Fix it with Five.

12 veterans complete program at Canal Street Veterans HousingCOTS welcomed the first residents to Canal Street Veterans Housing last year. Canal Street provides transitional housing for formerly homeless veterans – men, women and families.

Through October, 12 veterans have successfully graduated from the program. They have moved into permanent housing and accomplished a number of their other goals, including rebuilding credit and saving money.

In the words of a veteran who completed the program: “This program and house has saved me … This program also made me feel like I belonged to something bigger than just myself. … I have been given a home here not just a physical home but also a state of mind home. And that is a great feeling, believe me.”

This october, CoTS held its 2012 annual Meeting & Volunteer appreciation Breakfast, where we recognized our tremendous community support:

Wilma Rayta Volunteer of the Year Award: The Blue Star Mothers of Vermont, led by Valerie Palotta and Beni Twitchell, have provided incredible support to the residents of CoTS Canal Street Veteran’s Housing. They host monthly dinners, coordinate fundraisers and hold in-kind drives for veterans moving into a permanent residences.

Community Partner Award: first United Methodist Church of Burlington has generously offered CoTS the use of its parsonage this winter to host the Daystation, CoTS’ daytime shelter left homeless by a July 4 flood. The church has been a good neighbor again and again to CoTS – and families to individuals in need.

Leahy Leadership Award (Advocacy): Sr. Irene Duchesneau is a CoTS founder and a tireless advocate the poor and disenfranchised. She has been a visionary leader in working to provide health care for those in need, as well an early supporter for CoTS’ prevention initiatives.

Business Hero Award: North Country federal Credit Union provided a $15,000 grant to help get the CoTS’ Housing Resource Center’s Security Deposit loan Program started, and they continue to help us to administer the program. They run credit checks on program applicants, set up the loan with participants, and are available to clients for other services like budgeting and opening other accounts.

Samara-Anderson Walk Award: St. Pius X. father Richard Tinney has led a tremendously successful CoTS Walk team for many years. The parish incorporates the Walk into their Confirmation classes’ preparation efforts and social justice panel. Youth Minister andrew Coulter also volunteers on the Walk Committee.

Annual Meeting & Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast

Volunteers needed for Phonathon

The CoTS annual Phonathon starts Nov. 26. Volunteers call CoTS supporters to thank them for their past donations and ask them to consider a gift again this year.

If you would like to volunteer, as a caller or in the mailroom, call Nicole at (802) 540-3084, Ext. 207, or email her at nicolem@cotsonline.org. We need 50 volunteers, 5:30-9 p.m. Nov. 26-29. Daytime and evening hours available Dec. 3-5. Thank you for your help.

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It takes a village…Longtime friend Lorna Peal and COTS staff-member Louise Merriam helped bring to Vermont filmmaker Rachel Fleischer and her documentary, “Without A Home,” which chronicles the lives of homeless individuals and families in Los Angeles. Orly Yadin and the Vermont International Film Festival generously donated a JetBlue flight voucher for Rachel to travel from LA to Vermont where she screened her documentary at two separate events at Champlain College and Saint Michael’s College over the course of her three-day trip. VIFF also donated 30 tickets to their annual festival to COTS for volunteers and guests.

Crosswalk: A Fashion Show Styled by “Sound”, presented by Amy Wild, Nick Mayodones and Matt Rogers, benefited COTS this summer. Barbacoa, Parmaga, and DJ Disco provided a live soundtrack for Vermont independent designers as their models walked the runway at Main Street Landing. An after party was hosted at Signal Kitchen with Deleted Scenes and Spirit Animal + Persian Claws. Brought to you by MSR, Angioplasty, and Where and sponsors, Seventh Generation and Fluid.

gotta Have Sole Foundation, Inc. provided 19 pairs of new shoes for children in the family shelters in July, with another 13 pairs arriving in September.

Vermont Teddy Bear Co. donated more than 200 pairs of women’s pajamas.

gardener’s Supply Co. donated a $30 gift card so that a working dad could buy a sunhat to keep his head and shoulders covered while at work.

Select Design donated sweatshirts and T-shirts for children and adults.

The Doubletree Hotel in South Burlington and Three Brothers Ent., Inc. donated Vermont Lake Monsters general admission tickets through the Vermont Lake Monsters “Share the Experience” program for our Daystation clients. COTS also participated in the Vermont Lake Monsters May Day Program; all tickets bought in May for the Aug. 31 game helped COTS. The Lake Monsters also hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Night, attended by many of our volunteers.

After the storm, the Upper Valley Haven in White River Junction donated seven boxes of cups, plates and utensils to the Daystation.

Matt Richardson donates handyman services each month to our location at 95 North Ave.

The Williston Community Food Shelf donated 8 boxes of new underwear and socks for adults and children.

The First Congregational Church of Essex Junction participated in a drive for items on our wish list as part of their Mission Possible program.

Brownie Troop 30262 donated Girl Scout cookies to our family shelters as well as a $250 cash donation.

Rock Point School provided pizza while the Daystation was in transition, meals during their Community Service Week and handmade signs for the 2012 COTS Walk. The school hosted its annual Ooky Spooky 5K Fun Run for COTS in October.

Vermont Young Professionals selected COTS as their in-kind recipient at the Vermonter’s Ball. The result? Bags and bags of personal care items!

The gMS Navigators and new volunteer Debbie Kois helped with grilling and tie-dye at our annual Family BBQ at the Main Street Family Shelter.

Thank you to Mike Bazemore (Serve Burlington), Matt Beer (New Moon Café) and Lion’s gate Farm for offering our families CSA farm shares at deeply reduced costs.

COTS received a warm welcome to the Old North End from our neighbors across the street. The 1st Annual Waggy/McCaffery’s Sunoco Classic Car Show was a wonderful way to be welcomed into the ONE. The event raised an $645 for COTS. We can’t wait to see more great cars next year!

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Kirby Vacuum Co. donated five vacuum cleaners.

Mike Bazemore and Kevin Pounds (Serve Burlington) hosted another successful Bike Recycle series in which Daystation Clients spend eight weeks learning about bike maintenance and begin working on a bike that they will be able to keep at the end of the workshop.

Thank you to Dean LePage for making possible our second Pizza Putt Extravaganza for families in shelter.

Citizens Bank sponsored another wonderful backpack drive, “Gear for Grades,” that outfits all of our children with backpacks and supplies for school each year.

Dames gone Wild, a group of women helping people, pets and planets, served for four hours at the Main Street Family Shelter, deep cleaning our playroom and organizing our Arts & Crafts cabinet.

Student leaders from the University of Vermont’s Service Trek program, for deep-cleaning the Main Street and Firehouse kitchen and dining rooms in preparation for painting that would happen later in the month.

Seventh generation sent a team of 12 volunteers to paint the kitchen and dining rooms at our Main Street Family Shelter. The volunteers also worked on outdoor cleanup, and provided in-kind gifts of diapers, wipes, and cleaning products. An additional 20 volunteers are scheduled to volunteer in November!

Dragonheart Vermont donated more than 250 T-shirts.Costco donated 73 new memory foam pillows, which have been used both in our shelters and for folks moving into housing.

Bite Me Pizza continues to provide dinner for our house meeting at the Main Street Family Shelter each Wednesday night.

Sisters Mary Pollard (IBM) and Kim Borsavage (The Lang House) continue to provide a weekly meal at our Daystation – this has been especially critical while we have been relocated.

Mirabelle’s Café continues to donate a cake each month to children who are having their birthday in shelter.

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church made lunch for the Daystation, as well as donated a $100 gift card to Papa Frank’s in Winooski. Papa Frank’s offered us a discount so that this gift card could cover lunch for more than 40 individuals.

Helene Brodeur handmade 24 fleece blankets for children in COTS services. They are so beautiful and snuggly.

Natalie Meyer volunteered every other week at our Administrative Offices for several months as part of her Bat Mitzvah project.

Neisha Surprise completed a semester-long internship in our Development Office this past spring as part of Linking Learning to Life at Burlington High School.

HUBER+SUHNER invited COTS Families to their annual Family Day. This fantastic summer event included a barbecue, family games, and gift baskets for all in attendance.

Daystation staffer and LetGo Fittness® Zumba Instructor, Kate Barash-Engel organized the first-ever COTS Zumbathon to support the Daystation recovery and renewal. With awesome music and eight liscensed Zumba® instructors all in one place, the event raised more than $5,000. Thank you to all who fundraised and participated.

Outdoor gear Exchange hosted its first spring fashion show, “Call of the Wild” in April, with COTS being one of the benefitting nonprofits.

Burlington Furniture Co. hosted its annual “Back to School” sale with a percentage of sales benefiting COTS.

Jessica Wagner and local homeschoolers hosted their 13th Annual Homeschooler Bake Sale for COTS at the Fletcher Free Library. The bake sale brought in more than $360.

Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel, in conjunction with Darn Tough and Smartwool, donated hundreds of new socks to COTS shelters as well as the proceeds from their Annual Charity Sock Sale. The result? $1,000 for services and support and many warm, dry feet.

Essex Middle School students from the Edge Academy hosted their student-run “Pedals for Change,” a 5-mile bike ride that raised money for COTS.

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It takes a village…Burlington Bears its Art for COTS … an update: Bids for the Bears took place Oct. 11-Nov. 11. Thanks especially to the event’s sponsors: Citizens Bank, Burlington Free Press, Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce, The Church Street Marketplace Foundation, Burlington Business Association, KOOL 105, 98.9 WOKO, and WCAX-TV.

For the past five years, Meghan Burke has been gathering local bands to play in annual concerts to benefit different organizations and charities. This year, the record-setting donation was given to COTS. We’d like to thank Vermont Audio Visual for providing sound and lighting equipment, Mitchell Hay and Essex United Methodist Church for hosting the event at the last minute due to a rainstorm.

Big thanks to general Dynamics for their generous support of COTS’ Canal Street Veterans Housing. We are grateful for the financial gift, as well as the wonderful in-kind donations (nonperishable food, new blankets, sheets and pillows, books for children and more).

The Fresh Beats & Free Treats event in August, hosted by DJ Fattie B, and presented by Vermont.com, was an awesome event at Club Metronome, with proceeds benefitting COTS.

Burlington Elks Lodge awarded a $2,000 gratitude grant to COTS.

As part of its 90/10 series, Burlington Ensemble donates 90% of its concert proceeds to partnering nonprofit organizations over six concerts each season. COTS is honored to be among its partnering organizations! Find out more at: www.burlingtonensemble.com

The Champlain Valley Junior League gave the Firehouse Family Shelter’s upstairs living room a complete makeover, including beautiful new couches, throw pillows, window shades, and a new coat of paint, making the space warm and inviting for families.

The American Legion, facilitated by the Blue Star Mothers, has provided a van to bring veterans from Canal Street to the grocery store once a month.

Barnes & Noble Booksellers hosted our Children’s Art Exhibit during the month of April. The paintings, inspired by a variety of famous artists, were created by children staying at our Family Shelters. Former VHCB AmeriCorps member Alicia Pacelli hosted a series of art workshops for children in shelter and helped to organize the event in partnership with the bookstore.

The Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf has gone above and beyond for COTS during our time of need by helping us with lunches and also storing perishable food for us in the food shelf ’s freezers – we are so grateful!

Howard Longway has been regularly helping out by bringing by new socks, underwear, shirts and pajamas that he gets from Walmart to the Canal Street Veteran’s Housing.

Two groups of Book Buddies from the COTS Family Shelters were recognized at the Vermont governor’s Awards for Outstanding Community Service in June. Jacquie Bolster, her adult daughter Stephanie, and her father Jack Mood were recognized with the Family Service Award to honor their service as book buddies each Thursday night in shelter. Jacquie and her family have also been organizing an Easter Basket drive for families for the past 18 years. Saint Michael’s College Professor Valerie Bang-Jensen was honored with a Service Learning Award for her class’s multi-semester partnership with the book buddies program.

Sharon Dooley-Blow, COTS volunteer and South Burlington para-educator, was recognized this September with a United Way Building Block Award for her volunteer service tutoring at the COTS Family Shelters.

At an art exhibit this spring and summer at Speeder & Earl’s, photographer Michael Sipe strived to do the speaking for Burlington’s homeless community through his series, “Silent Faces.”

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More than 1,500 walkers took the 3-mile trek around Burlington on May 6 for the 23rd annual COTS Walk. Walkers helped raise more than $176,000 in support of COTS services and shelters.

The walk would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors:

Community Sponsors:Dealer.com Duncan*Wisniewski Wright & Morrissey

Media Sponsors:free Press Media Star 92.9 WCaX-TV

Route Sponsors:Darn Tough HUBER+SUHNER The lodge at otter Creek & The lodge at Shelburne Bay MyWebGrocer National life Group Stephen & Burns

Site sponsors:Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Inc. Blue Cross Blue Shield Casella Waste Management City Market Merchants Bank Parlato Productions Vermont Tent Co.

T-Shirt Sponsors:Dinse, Knapp & Mcandrew, P.C.; fletcher allen Healthcare; Gardener’s Supply Co.; KeyBank; NBT Bank; Northeast Delta Dental; Northwestern Vermont Board of Realtors; RedStone; Starbucks; SymQuest Group, Inc.; Queen City Printers, Inc.; The Dixie Six; Vermont Commercial Real Estate; The Willoughbys

generous in-kind supporters:american flatbread, Champlain Valley Exposition, Creative Habitat, Curtis lumber, ECHo at the leahy Center, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Essex Cinemas, Hannaford Co., learning Express, Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co., PP&D Distribution Service, Price Chopper foods, Rhino foods, Ricoh, Sodexo Inc. & affiliates, Vermont Business Magazine, Vermont Coffee Co., Vermont lake Monsters, Vermont Moving and Storage, Crystal Rock & Vermont Pure Bottled Water Companies, Vermont Teddy Bear factory, WB Mason, Zachary’s Pizza. WB Mason, Hudson Valley Paper, Vermont Moving & Storage, Curtis lumber, Vermont Teddy Bear factory, Sodexo Inc. & affliates.

CHALLENgE WALKERS

Individuals: Yves Bradley; Sue Chayer; Molly Comeau; Kathy Cousino; Denise Danyow; Bob Duncan; Gary Eley; David finney; Maree Gaetani; Melissa Goldberg; Julie Graves; Cindy Goodrich; Joyce Hagan; leslyn Hall; Judy Hamel; Maria Jarvis; Rolf Kielman; Stephen Kiernan; Barbara lande; Whitney leighton; Stacey lax; Nan Mason; Rita Markley; Debra Royce; Claire Saladin; lucy Samara; Jennifer Swint; Rich Tarrant; lisa Thibault-Stever; father Richard Tinney

Under 18: Sydney Holt Barker; Gregory Knowles

Businesses: Gardener’s Supply Co.; General Dynamics; Gordon’s Window Décor; HUBER+SUHNER; Sen. Patrick leahy’s office; Paul frank + Collins; Primmer Piper Eggleston & Cramer; Redstone; Redstone Research; Revision Military; TCI, Twincraft.

Community: CoTS family Shelter; Hope for CoTS; Mike & Nicole; Team Smiley; Win @ all CoTS.

Faith: College Street Congregational Church; first Congregational Church of Burlington; first United Methodist; Good Shepherd lutheran; Holy family & St. lawrence; Malletts Bay-UCC; St. James Episcopal; St. Paul Episcopal; St. Pius X; United Church of Underhill.

Schools: Burlington High School; Champlain Valley Union High School; Christ the King School; Essex High School; Mount Mansfield Union High School; Rice Memorial High School; University of Vermont.

Many thanks to our amazing volunteers, volunteer captains and Walk Committee: lucy Samara, Gary Eley, Betsy freeman, Michael Stefanowicz, leslie Griffiths, andrew Coulter, Elise Goodrich, antonia opitz, Nicole Marshall, Stephanie McKay and Jan Stickle.

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year in review 2012

SHELTERS

Family Shelters: 117 families, including 154 adults and 182 children, stayed in a CoTS family shelter. We have the capacity to serve 15 families each night.

Single Adult Overnight Shelters: 221 adults stayed in a CoTS overnight shelters. We have 36 emergency beds each night.

Single Adult Daytime Shelter: 926 individuals – an average of 48 people per day – used the Daystation, the only daytime shelter for homeless adults in Chittenden County. With the help of volunteers, CoTS serves a noontime meal every day of the year.

SERVICESCOTS Family Services: 191 families, including those staying in emergency shelter or in overflow motels, received outreach and support from CoTS staff. This represents 272 adults and 313 children.

COTS Adult Services: 235 single, homeless adults received outreach and support from CoTS staff.

PREVENTION SUPPORTRental & Mortgage Arrearage: 264 households, including 236 children, who were experiencing financial crisis averted homelessness and stayed in their home through the CoTS Housing Resource Center.

Security Deposit grants & Loans: 319 households, including 324 children, received security deposit assistance through the CoTS Housing Resource Center. This program shortens shelter stays and reduces the number of transitions children experience in families struggling to find suitable and sustainable housing.

HOUSINgTransitional Housing: 25 units of are provided by CoTS at the Smith House and at Canal Street Veterans Housing.

Permanent Housing: 56 units of are offered by CoTS at The Wilson, St. John’s Hall and Canal Street Veterans Housing (with Housing Vermont).

by the numbers 2012

*These are pre-audited numbers.COTS’ FY12 deficit resulted from a combination of carrying costs for overflows shelters together with a more competitive fundraising environment. Development results near year-end were stronger, and overall FY12 expenses were at budgeted levels. Going forward, COTS will benefit from lower expenses related to closure of overflow shelters and reduced rent expenses.

Revenue $3,306,502

Individuals & Businesses: 33.7% ($1,114,598)federal Grants: 20.4% ($673,162)foundations: 11.1% ($366,046)Rental Income: 9.9% ($327,959)State Grants: 8.7% ($287,702)

Veterans administration: 7.1% ($235,927)United Way: 4.3% ($143,525)

other: 4.8% ($157,583)

Support Services: 17.6% ($622,258)Development: 9.3% ($324,515)

Public Education: 2.4% ($84,231)family Shelters: 17.9% ($626,861)

Prevention Services: 8.0% ($279,848)overflow Shelters: 9.2% ($320,474) adult Shelters: 14.8% ($518,423)

Housing facilities: 14.3% ($502,957)administration: 6.5% ($226,923)

Expenses $3,506,490

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a flower a Daya Single Pebble Restauranta. C. Hathornea.M. Turk Tax associates, Inc.accredited Hearing Care Centeracme Paint & Glassafter Midnight Corporationalbany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciencesalder Brook family Healthall Saints Episcopal Churchalliance Property Management, Inc.allstate Giving Campaignal’s french frysamerican flatbreadamerican legion Post #42american Red Cross Vermont & New Hampshire Valleyamerica’s Gardening Resource, Inc.ameriprise financial advisorsapex Carpet Cleaningapple Mountain Vermont Gifts & Speciality foodsartful Sweep Chimney Service, Inc.artworks alley, llCashgate Publishing Co.autumn Harp, Inc.Barash Mediation ServicesBarnes & Noble BooksellersBauer, Gravel, farnham, Nuovo, Parker & langBeaudin’s Plumbing & HeatingBeeken ParsonsBen & Jerry’s Homemade, Inc.Bergeron, Paradis & fitzpatrickBessemer Trust Co. of DelawareBest WesternBio-Medic appliances, Inc.Bite Me PizzaBlodgett, Watts & Volk, P.C.Blue Cross & Blue Shield of VermontBlue Star MothersBond auto PartsBooska MoversBoucher & Pritchard funeral DirectorsBrewster Pierce Middle SchoolBurlington College

Burlington Drug Co.Burlington Elks lodge #916Burlington EnsembleBurlington free PressBurlington furnitureBurlington Housing authorityBurlington Insurance agencyBurlington Parks and RecreationBurlington Police DepartmentBurlington Subaru/Hyundai, Inc.Burlington TelecomBusiness Communication Services, Inc.Butternut Mountain farmCabin-N-Castle Homes, Inc.Cabot Hosiery Mills, Inc.Cabot VermontCady’s falls NurseryCasella Waste Systems, Inc.Catamount NorthCedar ledge Builders, Inc.Champlain CollegeChamplain Consulting EngineersChamplain Investment PartnersChamplain Radio GroupChamplain Valley ExpositionChamplain Water DistrictChamplain WoodcraftCharlotte Children’s CenterChef’s Corner Cafe BakeryChildcare UnlimitedChittenden County Court DiversionChittenden County Retired associationCider House, llCCitizens BankCity MarketCity of South BurlingtonCity of WinooskiClark’s Truck CenterClaussen’s Enterprise IncorporatedColdwell Banker Hickok & Boardman RealtyCollege Street Congregational UCCComfortex Window fashionsCommunity Chiropractic CenterCommunity lutheran ChurchCompetitive ComputingConcepts: In Structures, llC

Congregational Women’s fellowshipCoombs & Davis, llPCo-operative Insurance CompaniesCostco Wholesale #314Cota Trucking CoCreative Design ManagementCreative HabitatCreative TeamworksCrystal Rock & Vermont Pure Bottled Water CompaniesCunningham ContractorsCurtis lumberCx associates, llCDaffodil Enterprises, Inc.Danaher attig & Plante, PlCDanforth PewterDarn Tough VermontDaughters of Isabella, Madonna CircleDealer.comDee Physical TherapyDEW ConstructionDGH Enterprises, llCDiamantis ConstructionDinse, Knapp & Mcandrew, P.C.Disabled american Veterans, Chapter 5Doubletree HotelDR Power EquipmentDragonheart VermontDuncan*Wisniewski architectureDuncan’s auto ServiceDynapower Corp.E & M Mechanical, Inc.E & R CleanersEast Coast PrintersEast Corinth Congregational ChurchEastwood Neighborhood association, Inc.ECHo lake aquarium and Science Center/ leahy Center for lake ChamplainEdith Crocker Charitable TrustEJU Ecumenical food ShelfEmployee Community action Council of General DynamicsEnergy futures Group, Inc.Enterprise Rent-a-CarEnviro Tech of VT Septic Services, llCEssential Salon Products, Inc.Essex CinemasEssex High SchoolEssex Middle SchoolEssex United Methodist WomenEvergreen Evaluation and Consultingf.R. lafayette, Inc.faHC Phlebotomyfairhurst Professional Servicesfairpoint Communications

Thank you!These generous businesses and organizations provided in-kind and financial support during COTS’ fiscal year (Oct. 1, 2011-Sept. 30, 2012). In addition to the names here, hundreds of individuals have made financial and/or in-kind gifts in support of COTS programs and services this year.

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faith United Methodist Churchfamily Chiropractorsfanny allen Corporation, Inc.farrell Real Estate Co.financial Coaching Services, Inc.finest Imagesfirst Baptist Church, Inc.first Congregational Church of Burlingtonfirst Congregational Church of Essex Junctionfirst United Methodist Churchfirst Unitarian Universalist Societyfitzgerald Veterinary Hospitalfletcher allen Health Carefletcher/CSI, Inc.flynn Center for the Performing artsfrank Carruth, Inc.fraternal order of Eaglesfunny Business Entertainment, llCfurchgott & Sourdiffe, Inc.G W Tatro Construction, Inc.Gadue’s Dry Cleaning, Inc.Gallagher, flynn & Company, llPGardener’s Supply Co.GE United Way CampaignGene armstrong ExcavatingGeneral DynamicsGeneral ElectricGeri Reilly Real EstateGirl Scout Troop #30262Global Garage Sales, Inc.GM floor CoveringGof ltd.GoodSearchGordon’s Window DécorGrace United Methodist ChurchGreat Harvest Bread Co.Greater Burlington YMCaGreater HorizonsGreek orthodox PhiloptochosGreen Mountain aquaticsGreen Mountain Coffee RoastersGreen Mountain Power Corp.Green Mountain Video, Inc.Guy’s Unisex Salon, Inc.GWR Engineering, P.C.Hairmasters, Inc.Hallam associates, Inc.Halvorson’s Upstreet Café Hannaford Co.Hannaford SupermarketsHardy Structural EngineeringHarwood UHSD #19Hazelett Strip-Casting Corp.Healthy living Natural foods Market

Heavenly Cents Thrift ShopHer look Enterprises llCHeritage Business Services, Inc.Highfields Capital Management lPHopkins BookshopHoward Plant VfW Post #782HUBER+SUHNER, Inc.Hugh a. Griffiths 2009 Charitable lead annuity TrustIBMIBM Retiree Charitable CampaignIBM-ComputershareIndependent BlockInjury & Health Management Solutions, Inc.InstrumartJ&B International Trucks, Inc.J. a. Morrissey, Inc.Jamieson Insurance agency, Inc.JanitechJohnson ElectricJR’s Corner Store, llCJunior league of Champlain Valley Keller Williams Realty, G.M.P.Kenneth G Weston Surveying Services, Inc.Ken’s auto RepairKeyBankKeyBank National associationKidsafe CollaborativeKirby Electric, Inc.Kirby Vacuum CoKiss the CookKohn, Rath, Blackwood & Danon, llPKrebs & lansing Consulting Engineers, Inc.l. K. Rossi Corporationlague, Inc.lake Champlain Chocolateslarkin Realtylearning Expresslenny’s Shoe & apparelleonardo’s Pizzaleunig’s Bistrolewis Excavating, llClisman Webster & leckerling, PCllewellyn-Howley, Inc.logic Supply, Inc.lund landscape Services, Inc.lynch family Chiropractic, llCMain Street landing Co.Maine Street StylistsMajestic 10 CinemasMaple Tree Mortgage, Inc.Mark Yorra, M.D. & Catherine Gates C.N.MMason & associatesMater Christi SchoolMcCaffrey’s Sunoco

McNeil Generating StationMembers advantage Community Credit UnionMerchants BankMercy HouseMicro Wire Transmission Systems, Inc.Microsoft Matching Gifts ProgramMilton Chiropractic CenterMimi NailsMirabelles, Inc.Mobius, Inc.Modern Design furnitureMontgomery & Merrill, PCMontpelier High SchoolMorgan Stanley annual appeal CampaignMSR Presents, llCMt. Mansfield Union High SchoolMurphy Sullivan KronkMyer’s Bagel BakeryMyWebGrocerNail ProNBT BankNetwork for GoodNetwork Performance, Inc.Neuropsychology associates, lTDNew Breed MarketingNew England federal Credit UnionNorthCountry federal Credit UnionNortheast Delta DentalNorthern Benefits, ltd.Northfield Savings BankNorthwestern Vermont Board of RealtorsNPC Processingoffice Environments, Inc.old Brick Storeoleet & Co., llConline angelsPadraic MonksPajama ProgramPapa frank’s, Inc.Papa John’sParlato ProductionsPaul frank + Collins, P.C.Paw Print & MailPenny Cluse CaféPepsi-Cola Bottling Co.Peter Maynard Roofing Inc.Pho Dang Vietnamese Café Pho HongPierre’s RepairsPizzagalli Construction Co.PKC CorporationPoints of light InstitutePomerleau Properties, Inc.PP&D Distribution Service

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Precision TilePremierPrice Chopper foodsPublic ContributionsPuppets in EducationPuroCleanQueen City Printers, Inc.Quick Response Sprinkler Systems, Inc.R.E.M. Development Company, llCRedstone Commercial GroupRedstone Research, llCRegular Veterans associationReligious Hospitallers of St. JosephRenaissance Development Co.Residence InnResort Maps, Inc.Resource Systems Group, Inc.Retina Center of VermontRevision MilitaryRhino foodsRichard l. Wheatley, CPaRichard M. Doherty, P.E.Richmond food ShelfRicoh, formerly IKoN office SolutionsRieley Realty, Inc. DBa Kids TownRinkers CommunicationsRiver’s Bend DesignRock Point advisorsRock Point SchoolRose Computer Technology Services, Inc.Roth Real EstateRSVP of Chittenden CountyRunVermontSafeguard Business SystemsSaint Michael’s CollegeSaint Michael’s College - MoVE officeSalem Engineering, Inc.Samuel D Champlain ClubScampersSecurShred, Inc.Selection UnlimitedSeventh GenerationShelburne Bay Senior living CommunityShores acresSilver Maple EditionsSisters of MercySisters of Mercy/Tabor CommunitySmall Boat ExchangeSMC Edmundite CommunitySnowflake ChocolatesSociety of St. EdmundsSodexo Inc & affiliatesSouth Burlington High SchoolSouth Burlington Senior lunch Program

South End arts & Business associationSpanked Puppy PubSpecial olympicsSpectrum Benefits, Inc.Spirit of Ethan allenSt. albans Eye CenterSt. andrew Episcopal ChurchSt. John Vianney ChurchSt. Mark ChurchStarbucksSterling Construction, Inc.Stone Underground ContructionStowe Community ChurchStowe GemsStowe Mountain ResortSugarsnapSummit / Catamount Construction, llCSuperstoreSymQuest Group, Inc.Systems & Software, Inc.Tamarack Services of VT, Inc.TD BanknorthTechnology ConsultantsTerri’s Morning GardenTexas RoadhouseThe abbey GroupThe Bay CorporationThe Chittenden Emergency food ShelfThe Dixie SixThe EdgeThe EldoesThe Essex agency, Inc.The f.H. adams Co.The farm House Tap & GrillThe first Congregational Church of BurlingtonThe Gallery of Hair fashionsThe lodge at Shelburne Bay Real Estate, llCThe Royal Group, Inc.The Towner Management GroupThe Village Green at StoweThe WilloughbysThomas Mechanical, Inc.Three Brothers Ent., Inc.Three TomatoesTloC Senior living, llC DBa The lodge at otter CreekTop Dog landscaping, Inc.Town of CharlotteTown of EssexTown of HinesburgTown of JerichoTown of ShelburneTown of UnderhillTown of WillistonTraining, Marketing & Technology, Inc.

Transitional Services for Youth and familiesTravel leadersTriple loop CostumesTrono fuels, Inc.Truex Cullins & PartnersTwincraftUBS Employee Giving ProgramsUnderhill Central SchoolUnion Mutual of VT CompaniesUnited Church of fairfaxUnited Church of HinesburgUnited WayUnited Way of Coastal fairfield County, Inc.United Way of Greater WaterburyUniversity MallUpper Valley HavenUVM College of agriculture & life SciencesUVM Dining ServicesV/T CommercialVerilux, Inc.Vermont Business MagazineVermont Coffee Co.Vermont Energy Investment Corp.Vermont federal Credit UnionVermont Inspection Services, Inc.Vermont lake MonstersVermont Moving and StorageVermont National Country ClubVermont State Employees Credit UnionVermont Teddy Bear Co.Vermont Teddy Bear factoryVermont Tent Co.Vermont WildwoodsVermont Young ProfessionalsVermont.comVHB Inc.Wake RobinWallace RealtyWaterbury/Waitsfield HardwareWB MasonWCaX-TVWellspring learning, Inc.Westphalen Photography, Inc.WEZf-fM (92.9)Whispering Dream Pewter, Inc.White’s Christmas Tree farmWilliston Community food ShelfWine WorksWoKo-fM (98.9)Women’s fellowshipWright & Morrissey, Inc.YWCaZachary’s PizzaZinnia, Inc.

Non-Profit org.U.S. Postage

PaIDPermit No. 896Burlington, VT

Committee on temporary Shelter

PO Box 1616Burlington, VT 05402-1616802-864-7402 www.cotsonline.org

Send a Katharine Montstream holiday card Make a minimum $10 donation to COTS in someone’s name, and we’ll send the recipient a beautiful Katharine Montstream card with this message: “A generous donation has been made to the Committee on Temporary Shelter in your name. This gift of warmth and shelter will help families and individuals who are experiencing the crisis of homelessness make it through the harsh winter months. Happy holidays and best wishes for the new year.” To order, call Nicole at (802) 540-3084, Ext. 207 or email nicolem@cotsonline.org.

Carry a COTS Flashbag The Flashbags feature doorknobs from the Main Street Family Shelter. To order tote bags (available in 2 sizes), placemats or wallets, call (802) 864-7402 or email info@cotsonline.org. For orders placed through COTS, we receive 50 percent of each sale.

Wintertime…and the giving is easyAlternative giving ideas from COTS

Share Cookies – or Catering – for good COTS is expanding their Cookies for Good partnership with Sugarsnap. Sugarsnap will now donate 10 percent of all catering proceeds through the new “Catering for Good” program. This new effort will benefit our shelters, services and homelessness prevention programs. If you’re looking for a caterer to help you with a holiday party at your home or at work, give Sugarsnap a call at (802) 861-2951. And, don’t forget the Cookies for Good – 35 cents from each $1 cookie sold goes to COTS, too. Learn more at www.cookiesforgood.org or email catering@thesnapvt.com.

Shop at City Market Tree Sale City Market (82 South Winooski Avenue, Burlington) plans to once again generously sell fresh balsam trees to benefit COTS. Trees cost $35 and are expected to arrive on Dec. 5, with sales continuing until all trees are sold. “Elves” are needed to help with the benefit sale. Visit www.citymarket.coop.

Mark your calendarfor complete details, please visit: www.cotsonline.org

Phonathon November 26-29 December 3-4

The Coolest Lunch December 13

Candlelight Vigil December 20

30th Anniversary gala March 20, 2013

COTS Walk May 5, 2013