CHT announced today a three-year $240,000 commitment from KeyBank Foundation to support our goal of eliminating chronic homelessness in Chittenden County. The grant will be used to hire a social worker to help homeless individuals and families attain access to permanent housing, as well as provide ongoing support and services to help them retain housing.
“KeyBank’s recognition that this bold goal is achievable demonstrates what a committed community partner they are,” said Brenda Torpy, CEO of the Champlain Housing Trust. “In collaboration with many partners, we’ve made tremendous progress over the past few years. With this infusion of funds we will eliminate chronic homelessness in Chittenden County.”
A point-in-time survey done in January 2015 identified 101 individuals as “chronically homeless” in the county. Collaboration and coordination among various agencies reduced that number to 35 individuals by January 2018. Currently, there are approximately 330 formerly homeless residents in CHT apartments – including 76 new residents in the past year. “Support for people after they’ve moved into their new apartment has been as critical as housing them in the first place,” commented Torpy.
“We are thrilled to provide needed funding to Champlain Housing Trust at a critical juncture in their efforts to end chronic homelessness,” said KeyBank Market President Donald Baker. “They have proven to be an effective leader in this campaign, and we are happy to partner with them as they continue to improve the lives of so many in our community.”
The $240,000 grant is the largest investment KeyBank Foundation has made to the Burlington community in recent years. It will be paid out over three years beginning in the summer of 2018. The Champlain Housing Trust intends to advertise for and hire the new staff shortly, and will continue to work with the Chittenden County Homeless Alliance to achieve this goal.
KeyBank representatives commit to $240,000 in funding to Champlain Housing Trust. From left: Brigitte Ritchie, KeyBank Corporate Responsibility Officer, New England Region; Donald Baker, KeyBank Vermont Market President; Margaret Bozik, Champlain Housing Trust Director of Asset Management and Special Initiatives and co-chair, Chittenden County Homeless Alliance; Brenda Torpy, Champlain Housing Trust CEO.