While researching #LemuelShattuck hospital, I came across some stories about how some #TinyHouses set-up in the hospital's parking lot were HELPING with #Homelessness, but were dismantled because the funding ran out... WTF!

Shattuck’s cottage community, a relief to the #unsheltered at Mass. and Cass, to close this summer

By Jason Laughlin Globe Staff,Updated May 8, 2024

"Funding has run out for two Massachusetts housing programs that provide shelter to those who previously lived at the #TentEncampment near the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard [#MassAndCass]. While the state plans to close one, officials are discussing ways to keep the second program open.

"A temporary cottage community on the grounds of Lemuel Shattuck Hospital in #JamaicaPlain will shutter at the end of July, a spokesperson from the state Executive Office of Health and Human Services said. The community is no longer accepting new residents, and the nearly two dozen people housed on the grounds now will be offered alternative housing.

" 'We are committed to ensuring there is no break in services and no break in housing for those who choose to continue forward,' said Deirdre Calvert, director of the Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Substance Addiction Services.

"The cottages’ closure was first reported by WBUR.

"The cottages, which included a bed and small living area for individuals or couples, opened in 2022 amid the opioid crisis that led to a homeless encampment near the intersection known as Mass. and Cass. Since then, the community has sheltered more than 100 people, state officials said. The cottages, administered by Commonwealth Care Alliance, offered support for people in addiction while helping them transition to more permanent housing."

[...]

"The aluminum cottages each have lockable sleeping cabins, storage for residents’ belongings, heating, and air conditioning. People who had been sleeping on the streets told the Globe in 2022 interviews that the little residences offered a welcome oasis of stability."

@newsbot

Read more:
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/05/08/metro/homeless-addiction-shattuck-boston-cottages-massachusetts-mass-cass/

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/DzIao

#Massachusetts #Homeless #Unhoused #Houseless #FundingCuts #TransitionalHousing #CottageCommunities #Shelter #TinyHouses

"Transitional housing supports safety, stability, and long-term independence. 🏠
Research shows structured housing programs improve employment and long-term stability outcomes.
Supportive environments help individuals rebuild routines and prepare for sustainable living. 🌱
🔗 https://vaccinationrewards.org/

#TransitionalHousing #HousingStability"

#Vermont - Upper Valley Haven

Providing temporary shelter and housing support for people experiencing homelessness

"Finding and securing permanent housing can be challenging. To get assistance with navigating housing processes, referrals, landlord communication, and more, please call (802) 295-6500. We offer housing services to people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Are you camping and in need of services? We are happy to provide you with resources and guidance even if you don’t choose to explore permanent housing right now."

https://uppervalleyhaven.org/get-help/help-with-shelter/

Information about shelters:
https://uppervalleyhaven.org/programs/shelters/

To donate:
https://uppervalleyhaven.org/current-wish-lists/

@newsbot

#Unhoused #Houseless #Homeless #TransitionalHousing #FoodAssistance #StayWarm #ArcticBlast #PolarVortex

Meanwhile, in #Scotland...

Temporary accommodation if you're #homeless

"When to get help from Shelter Scotland

The council should offer you somewhere to stay if you need it.

They cannot refuse to give you temporary accommodation by saying:
- there's nothing available
- it's too expensive for you to afford
- you do not have a local connection to the area"

https://scotland.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/homeless/temporary_accommodation/getting

#Unhoused #Homelessness #TransitionalHousing

As bitter cold hits #Vermont, new shelters open for the first time this season

by VTDigger, December 9, 2025

Excerpts: "Emergency shelters in Barre and Brattleboro opened Thursday, offering relief to people without housing.

[...]

"These temperatures are not uncommon for Vermont in the winter, Danzig said, but he still recommended people to cover their face in higher winds to avoid frostbites, wear several layers of clothes and make sure pets are inside.

"The Office of Economic Opportunity at the Department for Children and Families has recently created a new Extreme Cold Weather Shelter Program, in partnership with Vermont Interfaith Action, to support people experiencing homelessness during periods of extreme cold.

"The program will operate from Dec. 1 to April 1, when temperatures reach at least -10 degrees Fahrenheit, with projects in #BenningtonVT, #BurlingtonVT, #NewportVT, #RutlandVT, #BarreVT, #MontpelierVT and #BrattleboroVT, Lily Sojourner, director of the Office of Economic Opportunity, said.

"The shelters in Barre and Brattleboro opened for the first time Thursday night and provided relief for 26 people, according to Sojourner. Sojourner said this program is just one of many others operating this winter, including the General Assistance Emergency Hotel Program and seasonal shelters across the state.

"Tess Taylor, homeless and housing liaison for the city of Barre, said the shelter at the Congregational Church also hosted people in need on Thursday. The space has a capacity of 12 people and will continue to operate when temperatures are around zero, providing food, cots and blankets, Taylor said."

https://thebridgevt.org/2025/12/as-bitter-cold-hits-vermont-new-shelters-open-for-the-first-time-this-season/

From the State of Vermont's website:

"#ExtremeCold Weather #Shelter Program Providers:

Bennington County – Bennington County Coalition for the Homeless
Chittenden County – Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity
Northeast Kingdom – Northeast Kingdom Community Action
Rutland County – City of Rutland
Washington County – Barre Congregational Church & Montpelier Emergency Cold Weather Shelter, Inc.
Windham County – Brattleboro Emergency Winter Shelter Steering Committee

The State of Vermont’s Extreme Cold Weather Shelter Program (#ECWSP) is designed to support community-based emergency shelter operations during periods of extreme cold for individuals experiencing homelessness who have no other safe housing option. The goal of the ECWSP is to prevent cold-related illness or death by ensuring access to safe, temporary shelter during Vermont’s severe winter weather."

Link to Vermont's Extreme Cold Weather Shelter Program:
https://dcf.vermont.gov/oeo/programs/ECWSP

@newsbot

#EmergencySheltersVermont #EmergencyShelters #TransitionalHousing #Unhoused
#Homeless #Houseless #StayWarm #ArcticBlast #PolarVortex #Shelters