By VDC staff
Burlington isn’t the only Vermont community looking to expand homeless shelter capacity, as Northeast Kingdom organizations are moving ahead with plans to double the size of a St. Johnsbury shelter and eventually add accommodations for families.
According to the Caledonian-Record, the daily newspaper serving the Northeast Kingdom, RuralEdge and Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA) plan to purchase the former Moose Lodge at 2388 Portland Street and convert the 8,500-square-foot building into a 40-person homeless shelter.
The property carries a $460,000 purchase price. The Vermont Housing & Conservation Board provided RuralEdge with $50,000 earlier this summer to advance the expansion, and project organizers are seeking additional financial support from community members, businesses, foundations and other philanthropic partners. Donations are tax-deductible.
The organizations currently operate a 20-person shelter at 72 Moose River Drive that opened in January 2024. Officials told the Caledonian-Record that the shelter receives an average of 10 referrals each week and typically has a waiting list of 10 to 15 people.
The goal is to have the Portland Street shelter ready by the winter of 2027-28. Once adult residents move to the new facility, the existing Moose River Drive building would be renovated to create five units for homeless families with children.
“The need for emergency shelter has never been greater in the Northeast Kingdom,” NEKCA Executive Director Jenna O’Farrell said.
RuralEdge Executive Director Patrick Shattuck said the project represents an investment in both the community and people experiencing homelessness.
The expansion comes as Burlington officials are also seeking increased state support for homeless services, including assistance establishing a 100-bed, low-barrier, year-round shelter in Chittenden County.