CHT SELLS BURLINGTON BUILDING TO TURNING POINT CENTER

The Champlain Housing Trust and Turning Point Center of Chittenden County jointly announced transfer of ownership of 179 South Winooski Avenue in downtown Burlington, a building which Turning Point Center of Chittenden County has leased for several months with the intent to buy. The purchase Tuesday for $850,000 allows for the programs and nonprofits operating in the building to continue to thrive.

The building has a rich history in providing service to the community. In 1993 several nonprofits came together with the support of the City of Burlington, state and federal agencies and hundreds of donors to create office and program space for their organizations. The Champlain Housing Trust, one of the original nonprofits, stewarded the building for this use over the years. Its facilitation of the transfer of the property to Turning Point allows for a continuation of this commitment to the community.

“We have been so excited to be here,” said Gary De Carolis, Executive Director of Turning Point Center of Chittenden County. “Being able to own this facility, at this location, is helping us achieve our mission and gives us security down the road. We very much appreciate working with the Champlain Housing Trust on this purchase.”

As a celebration of the missions of the two organizations and to mark the Champlain Housing Trust’s 35th anniversary, artist Tara Goreau has been commissioned to create a mural on the building’s south wall illustrating the community bonds that are reflected in the groups’ missions of housing and recovery. The housing trust and the Turning Point Center will be organizing volunteers – no experience needed or expected – to assist with the painting of the mural on the afternoon of Friday, August 16. Those who are interested should contact Jack Commo at 861-7399.

Turning Point Center of Chittenden County is a peer run recovery center for those in recovery from alcohol and/or drug addiction. The Center wants to thank the over 100 donors who made this dream become reality. Special recognition to the Stiller Family, The Hoehl Family Foundation and the University of Vermont Medical Center, Community Investment Fund for their significant contributions.

Champlain Housing Trust offers affordable apartments to rent and homes to buy throughout Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle counties in northwest Vermont. It also owns and manages several community and commercial buildings, offers financial education and counseling programs, affordable loans and a range of other services to help residents succeed.