homeless

COTS Candlelight Vigil 2024 12/20/2024

From COTS:

The COTS annual candlelight vigil will take place in front of Burlington City Hall on December 20, the same night as the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, and also National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day. The candlelight vigil is held on this day to honor those who have died while homeless.

This is a somber event, but also an uplifting one as we hear inspiring music from Edmunds Elementary Chorus, and reflect on the hope we have for those still experiencing homelessness.

We hope that you’ll join us this year to remember those that were lost in the past year and to honor those still experiencing homelessness in our community. The event takes place outside of city hall so participants are encouraged to dress warmly. Candles will be provided, along with hot chocolate. If you are unable to join us in person, we invite you instead to light a candle on this night and remember those who have faced the crisis of homelessness.

For more information visit: https://cotsonline.org/candlelight-vigil

Burlington Mayor's Press Conference: Update on the City’s Initiatives to Support Unsheltered Homelessness 10/10/2023

From the Mayor's Office and Burlington Parks Rec and Waterfront:

Mayor Miro Weinberger and community partners provide an update on the progress of several initiatives to support people living without shelter in the community, including the Administration’s proposal to create a temporary winter warming shelter for the cold weather season.

With Mayor Miro Weinberger; Sarah Russell, Special Asst. to End Homelessness, City of Burlington; Paul Dragon, Executive Director, CVOEO; Michelle Caver, VFW Post 782; and Miranda Gray, Deputy Commissioner of Economic Services Division, Department for Children and Families.

Neighborhood Media Internship Program: Sears Lane - A Stepping Stone 05/18/2022

Three Neighborhood Media Interns look to fellow community members to discover more information about Sears Lane, a contentious topic within their community.

VICII: Homeless in Burlington - The Case of Sears Lane 04/20/2022

From VICII:

Burlington has often been called one of the most liveable cities in the United States. Yet, even in a cold Vermont winter, unhoused people are without shelter and support from their city. This winter City authorities made the situation worse for those unhoused people who had formed a community in Sears Lane. In a surprise move, the City bulldozed this encampment summarily and sent the residents to the streets. In this questionable process the City destroyed the belongings of the residents, some of it priceless, like photographs, tents, and art work.

For more information: vicii.org

Voices of Sears Lane 10/24/2021

Members of the community living at Sears Lane share their stories as the City of Burlington threatens to disperse the encampment.

COTS Walk Update 04/08/2020

Wondering exactly what a Virtual COTS Walk looks like or even means? We understand -- and we have answers for you. Join us for new at-home activities every weekday, culminating in the Virtual COTS Walk on May 3rd.

For more info: https://cotsonline.org/cotswalk

COTS Candlelight Vigil 2019 12/18/2019

Every year, during the week of the Winter Solstice, people in Burlington pause to reflect on those who are homeless in our community. The annual COTS Candlelight Vigil takes place on the Burlington City Hall steps in the Church Street Marketplace.

Readers share stories of adults and children in our community who have faced the crisis of homelessness this year.

This is a moving event and an opportunity to take time out during the hectic holiday season to remember the struggles and challenges of the past year.

COTS Candlelight Vigil 12/20/2018

Every year, during the week of the Winter Solstice, people in Burlington pause to reflect on those who are homeless in our community. The annual COTS Candlelight Vigil takes place on the Burlington City Hall steps on the Church Street Marketplace.

Readers share stories of adults and children in our community who have faced the crisis of homelessness this year.

This is a moving event and an opportunity to take time out during the hectic holiday season to remember the struggles and challenges of the past year.