Spectrum's Nightly Shelter in Burlington VT Opens Year-Round Thanks to Generous Gifts From KeyBank Foundation, the Pomerleau Family Foundation and Other Donors

Rhea-AI Summary

Spectrum Youth and Family Services in Burlington, VT, has expanded its seasonal warming shelter into a year-round resource for homeless youth, thanks to generous funding from KeyBank Foundation, the Pomerleau Family Foundation, the University of Vermont Medical Center, and individual donors. The Nightly Shelter, initially open from November to March, now operates every day from 5 pm to 9 am, providing a critical overnight option for youth when other shelters are full. KeyBank Foundation has contributed a three-year $225,000 grant to support this expansion. The facility offers 10 emergency beds and access to daytime services like meals, laundry, and case management. This expansion addresses the rising demand for safe youth shelters in Burlington, with many youths transitioning from the Nightly Shelter to permanent housing solutions.

Positive

• KeyBank Foundation provided a three-year $225,000 grant to support the Nightly Shelter.
• Spectrum's Nightly Shelter expanded from seasonal to year-round programming, addressing critical gaps in youth homelessness services in Burlington.
• The Nightly Shelter offers 10 emergency beds open every day from 5 pm to 9 am, providing a vital resource for homeless youth.

Negative

• None.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 26, 2024 / Through generous funding from KeyBank Foundation, the Pomerleau Family Foundation, the University of Vermont Medical Center, and many individual donors who contributed to a special matching fund, Spectrum Youth and Family Services of Burlington, VT has been able to make its seasonal warming shelter a year-round resource for homeless youth. On May 14th, Spectrum officially expanded the shelter operations from seasonal to year-round programming to fill a critical gap in the local continuum of care, offering a youth-friendly overnight option when other shelter beds are full.

"We are pleased to join forces with the Pomerleau Family Foundation and other donors to help expand the vital resources that Spectrum provides," said KeyBank Market President, Tony DiSotto. "KeyBank is a long-time supporter of Spectrum and their mission to improve the lives of disadvantaged youth and young adults in our community." KeyBank Foundation has provided a three-year $225,000 grant to support the Nightly Shelter.

Spectrum Youth and Family Services opened a winter warming shelter in November of 2017 to provide more beds for youth facing homelessness in the harshest months. The warming shelter was a seasonal shelter, open from November through March 31.

Over the past two years, however, Spectrum's Basic Needs Director, Christina Brown says she has been handing out more sleeping bags and tents than ever before year-round - in fact, she can't keep them in stock. To meet the growing need for safe youth shelter in Burlington, Spectrum's warming shelter was re-named the Nightly Shelter and is now open year-round.

The Nightly Shelter is a low-barrier, 10-bed emergency shelter that is open every day from 5pm to 9am. Youth can then access the Burlington Drop-In Center during the day for meals, laundry, clothing, and case management.

Many of the youth who access the Nightly Shelter are new to Spectrum, and each year several youths move from the Nightly Shelter into the Landing or Pearl Street Residence, significantly increasing their odds of moving on to permanent housing.

Spectrum Youth & Family Services helps teens and young adults ages 14-24 meet their basic needs, access mental health counseling and substance use disorder, and get help with employment, education, and living independently to thrive as young adults. To learn more, visit www.spectrumvt.org.

Pictured at a recent check presentation are (from left) KeyBank Market Retail Leader Nicholas Stevens, Market President Tony DiSotto, Area Retail Leader Gamal Alsalahi, Corporate Responsibility Officer Brigitte Ritchie, and Spectrum Executive Director Mark Redmond.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from KeyBank on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:
Spokesperson: KeyBank
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/keybank
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: KeyBank

View the original press release on accesswire.com

FAQ

What is the recent expansion of Spectrum's Nightly Shelter in Burlington, VT?

Spectrum's Nightly Shelter in Burlington, VT, has expanded from a seasonal to a year-round facility, providing a important overnight option for homeless youth.

What financial support has KeyBank Foundation provided to Spectrum's Nightly Shelter?

KeyBank Foundation has provided a three-year $225,000 grant to support the expansion of Spectrum's Nightly Shelter.

When did Spectrum's Nightly Shelter start operating year-round?

On May 14th, Spectrum officially began operating its Nightly Shelter year-round.

How many beds does Spectrum's Nightly Shelter provide?

Spectrum's Nightly Shelter provides 10 emergency beds, available every day from 5 pm to 9 am.

What additional services does the Burlington Drop-In Center offer to youth accessing the Nightly Shelter?

The Burlington Drop-In Center offers meals, laundry, clothing, and case management services to youth accessing the Nightly Shelter.