Overview - Burlington Emergency Shelter

Life's transitions are like that, going from somewhere to somewhere. The present circumstances may seem like a void. It would be pleasant to turn around and go back to the security left behind. But because that is impossible, it is necessary to keep groping for what is ahead: then there will surely be a resting place. Uncertainty cries out "How long?" And anxiety questions, "Will I ever get through this?" Drawn to the past by warm memories and yearnings, the future simultaneously beckons with a mixture of hope and fear. Sometimes depression opens its dark pit. Above, the grass is green, the sun shining on gleeful men, women, and children. But those in transition feel distant from them, pressured by the urgency to get on, to get through and out."


The Burlington Emergency Shelter is a resting place helping those making choices while in transition. Read our overview below...	"Transitions are mysterious, like an underground passage I once saw in a tour through a castle. The castle's rooms were gigantic, the woodwork extravagant, and the huge beams in the inner part of the towers projected massive strengh. But what captivated me the most was that underground tunnel. A half-mile long the escape route led from the castle to the stables. It was strikingly different from the rest of the castle. The vast ball room offered its visitors the feeling of dignity. A sense of comfort overtook us in the luxurious bedroom suites. Serenity filled the garden room. But the secret tunnel was mysterious and unnerving. It held no comfortable chairs because it was not a place to rest. No artwork adorned its moist, dark stone walls. It was not a place to browse. The tunnel was not made for stopping. It was for those en route with a sense of urgency. It turned your mind to either the past or the future: either you would concentrate on the extravagant castle you were leaving behind or on the stables ahead. Life's transitions are like that, going from somewhere to somewhere. The present circumstances may seem like a void. It would be pleasant to turn around and go back to the security left behind. But because that is impossible, it is necessary to keep groping for what is ahead: then there will surely be a resting place. Uncertainty cries out "How long?" And anxiety questions, "Will I ever get through this?" Drawn to the past by warm memories and yearnings, the future simultaneously beckons with a mixture of hope and fear. Sometimes depression opens its dark pit. Above, the grass is green, the sun shining on gleeful men, women, and children. But those in transition feel distant from them, pressured by the urgency to get on, to get through and out." - TRANSITION: The Stages of Adult Life, Charles M. Sell
HISTORY
The Burlington Emergency Shelter is an interdenominational Christian homeless shelter in the Old North End area of Burlington, VT. It was founded in 1982 to serve the needs of the homeless men and women in the Chittenden county area. The Burlington Emergency Shelter was the first homeless shelter in the area to provide a separate men's and women's bunk room, the first to initiate a requirement for job and housing searches (with staff assistance), the first to require daily chores, and the first to initiate a zero tolerance policy toward drug and alcohol use.		Est. 1982
TEMPORARY HOUSING & MEALS
The Burlington Emergency Shelter provides temporary housing and evening meals 365 days a year for as many as 24 adult men and 4 adult women. The stay at the Shelter may vary from one night to several months. For the safety of everyone at the Shelter, no guest will be admitted who has been using alcohol, who is misusing or abusing drugs, or demonstrates a hostile attitude. Temporary guests will be admitted regardless of religious affilitation. Each guest will share in the daily chores to assist in the maintenance of the Shelter. Each guest will also be expected to make an effort to find employment.
OPERATIONS
The Shelter operates at two levels. As a temporary homeless Shelter beds and meals are provided to 16 adult men and 4 adult women. Unfortunately due to the constraints of the Shelter we are not able at this time to accomodate families or couples. 8 beds are allocated upstairs in the Shelter for the Good Neighbor Program. See Programs.
DURATION
How long can a guest stay at the Shelter? Guests average 90 days at the Shelter. Guests come from all over Vermont, the Northeast, and some from around the world. Admission to the Shelter requires a drug screening and personal interview. There is no charge to the guest for staying here. Each evening we provide a nutritious meal as well as the comfort of a warm, safe, Christian environment.
FUNDING
Since 1982, the Burlington Emergency Shelter has operated through private financial support from individuals, local churches/parishes, and businesses. Grants and all other sources of financial support does not include federal or state funds.
FAQ - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
See FAQ