On May 22, Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO), Champlain Housing Trust, and dozens of partners and supporters — including the full House Committee on Human Services — celebrated the reopening of Champlain Place Emergency Shelter, a low-barrier shelter committed to providing essential services and support to individuals experiencing homelessness. Located at 165 Shelburne Street in Burlington, Champlain Place offers year-round, safe shelter, and access to crucial resources, including employment assistance, housing advocacy, and life skills training.
The reopening celebrates an improved facility, managed in partnership between CVOEO and CHT, now including 30-35 year-round beds, with an additional 30 cold-weather beds available from November to April. Since CVOEO assumed operations of Champlain Place in October 2023, guests have been able to come and go freely, benefiting from consistent and assigned rooms for their extended stays, allowing for a sense of home during their transition to stable housing. This new model ensures more comfortable living arrangements and better access to essential support services offered on-site.
Additional improvements include the installation of a sprinkler system, upgraded plumbing and electrical services, heat pumps for heating and cooling, new flooring, and a private courtyard for guests to enjoy. These changes enhance the safety, security, and comfort of Champlain Place, creating an environment where guests can feel dignified and supported.
As part of the reopening, CVOEO and CHT remembered the legacy of Katherine Grace Hartnett (Katie), whose warmth, compassion, and dedication to the homeless population in Burlington lives on. Champlain Place now features a community space named “Katie’s Meeting House & Community Garden,” where guests can enjoy a warm meal, participate in workshops, relax in a comfortable setting, and connect with support services, staff members, and one another. Katie is remembered as a passionate advocate for those experiencing homelessness and is credited with inspiring her father, former Burlington City Council member David Hartnett, to support homelessness initiatives. Katie’s imprint at Champlain Place reminds us of our commitment to creating a community where everyone has the opportunity for stability and dignity.
In addition to recognizing the grand reopening, CVOEO and CHT celebrate the everyday acts of growth that happen within the walls of the emergency shelter. Whether it’s a guest learning to navigate new systems, establishing a healthy routine, or building trusting relationships with staff, these moments are the true testament to the spirit of Champlain Place staff and the community who continue to advocate for the most vulnerable among us.
The original acquisition of the property and the renovations were funded by the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board. The City of Burlington, through it’s Community Development Block Grant funding, funded the installation of a fence for privacy and security.
[this post was adapted from news release issued by CVOEO]