Paul Dragon

Two local nonprofits, the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity and Champlain Housing Trust, are seeking a 12,000-square-foot space in Chittenden County to open a 100-bed year-round emergency shelter for people experiencing homelessness. The proposed low-barrier, congregate shelter would serve as a triage center, addressing a growing need as tent encampments increase and existing cold-weather shelters operate only seasonally.