Why we are opening an Emergency Family Shelter
By Chloe Learey, Executive Director
Four years ago, the state of Vermont mustered the political will to offer shelter to all as the pandemic unfolded. The motel program was born and has continued to this day. It has been a game changer for many, an opportunity to have a reliable place to live in the midst of uncertainty, during a time when housing is difficult to find even for those who can afford it.
The motel program has also created settings that are not ideal. Congregate shelter in privately owned businesses that are not required to provide supportive services has led to environments which are not always healthy for people, particularly children. Issues ranging from having no safe place to play to witnessing overdoses highlight that motels are not appropriate for long-term support of optimal child development.
Two buildings on campus which were former dormitories are becoming available with the end of a long-term lease in mid-February. Given the circumstances of living in the motels we felt it was our responsibility to explore this opportunity to create shelter and programming that supports children and families in our community. We consulted with the town of Brattleboro, Groundworks and the Field Services Director from the Agency of Human Services and accessed state funding earmarked for this purpose. The intention of the Emergency Shelter for Families with Children is to invite families experiencing homelessness the opportunity to join the Prouty Campus community and stay temporarily in one of two 5,000 square foot buildings. Staff will be available on site, and intensive case management is a primary aspect of the program, with a focus on exploring barriers to housing and securing permanent housing. The foundation of the shelter is that the environment will be safe for children.
Each building has approximately 10 rooms each plus full kitchens, bathrooms with showers, and living room spaces. The shelter will be fully furnished. The program will be able to temporarily house up to 40 people (48-person max depending on family size and reasonable shared floor/facilities arrangements). Access to outdoor play space, extensive hiking trails and green spaces, the Brattleboro Winter Farmer’s Market, and close proximity to a shopping center with grocery, pharmacy and banking services contribute to a healthier living situation than is possible at a motel.
We anticipate starting to house interested families in the beginning of March and expect the process to take some time before we reach full capacity. This project has a limited scope, through June 2025, due to funding availability and our plans to build 300 units of mixed income housing, hopefully starting in mid-year of 2025.
We believe it is important to contribute what we can to the complex challenges our community faces and are grateful we have the capacity and space to offer. Lisa Whitney, Director of Campus Operations, is overseeing the shelter as a campus program. Please don’t hesitate to be in touch with either one of us with any questions and feedback.