Investing in Dignity and Hope
The Waystation: A Lifeline for 40+ Years
Since its founding, COTS’ Waystation has sheltered thousands of adults experiencing homelessness.
- 36 beds in a limited space
- Consistently at full capacity
- A cornerstone in COTS’ housing-focused approach
- Served 159 people last year
But, the current facility is aging and can no longer meet the growing need.
A New Opportunity at 58 Pearl Street
COTS has acquired a former federal building through a rare opportunity.
This 7,361 sq ft facility—more than 3x the current shelter’s size—offers:
- ADA accessibility
- One-floor layout
- Proximity to services
- Private parking
Long-term vision: A transformed Waystation with trauma-informed design.
Reimagining the Waystation
Opening December 2025 with your help!
Redesigned Space Will Include:
- 14 rooms for up to 4 guests each
- 6 private bathrooms with showers
- On-site laundry
- Kitchenette and dining area
- Secure reception
- Staff offices & guest meeting spaces
- Medical exam room
- Ample guest storage
- Welcoming common areas
Above: Rendering of a room for four guests.
You can help.
This isn’t just a renovation. It’s a revolution in how we treat people at their most vulnerable. When you support this campaign, you’re not just building a shelter—you’re building a steppingstone to permanent housing, safety, and stability.
We’ve already secured the building and raised half the funds. But we need your help to raise the remaining $1 million to open the doors by December 2025.
Your support builds more than shelter—it builds successful futures and a healthy community. You are an essential partner in addressing the homelessness crisis in our community.
Contact Rebekah Mott at 802-383-8778 or rebekahm@cotsonline.org today to learn more or schedule a tour. Send checks with a note "Waystation Campaign" to PO Box 1616, Burlington, VT 05402. Or Make a gift online by clicking "donate" at the top of this page.
Our Goal:
Help us Raise $2M to complete the renovations for the new Waystation.
Hoehl Family Foundation Matching Grant:
In a powerful move to support the most vulnerable residents of Burlington, the Hoehl Family Foundation (HFF) has pledged a $200,000 challenge grant to support COTS in its capital campaign for a new Waystation homeless shelter. This generous commitment will not only directly fund the shelter’s renovation, but also aims to inspire the community to join in by matching the grant dollar-for-dollar, ultimately raising $400,000 to bring a state-of-the-art shelter to life.
The HFF’s challenge grant is structured in two parts: an immediate donation of $100,000 and a second $100,000 once COTS has raised an additional $200,000. This generous support marks a turning point in COTS’s mission to provide a more dignified, trauma-informed space for adults facing homelessness in Chittenden County.
Katharine Kostin, HFF Board Member, expressed the Foundation’s deep commitment to the community: “It’s not charity, it’s solidarity. We believe we’re only as strong as our most vulnerable neighbors; therefore, we’re privileged to work with the community toward supporting the dignity of every person.”
Meeting the Moment
- Homelessness in Chittenden County is rising.
- In just one year, Daystation visits surged by 286% (from 515 to 1,800 individuals).
- 25% of daily guests sleep outside or in unsafe, unstable conditions.
- As State-funded motel rules tighten, more people are left without options.
COTS stands ready—but we need your help to expand our response.