About Us
Bennington County Coalition for the Homeless provides safe shelter, food, and support services from homeless families and individuals in Bennington County. Established in 2000, BCCH is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization located in Bennington, Vermont. We provide two year-round shelters for those in our community experiencing homelessness; a family shelter and an adult only shelter. We also provide Outreach Case Management services for those experiencing homelessness not in our shelters. Our shelters provide more than just a bed, offering financial literacy, budgeting, and credit repair programming; housing navigation support and resources; and employment readiness training and resources. At BCCH, we believe it is essential to provide our guests with the tools necessary to obtain, and maintain sustainable, permanent housing that will aid in the battle to end homelessness.
Our Mission Statement
Bennington County Coalition for the Homeless is dedicated to respectfully and compassionately empowering our community members who are experiencing homelessness by providing emergency shelter care, supportive housing staff and community outreach and local partner collaboration.
Our Core Values
Non-judgmental environment
Collaboration with community partners
Individualized supports
Treat all with compassion
Our Team
Karissa L. Myers - Executive Director of Communications and Outreach Services
Karissa.myers@bcchvt.org
Roxanne M. Carelli - Executive Director of Operational Development and Shelter Services
Roxanne.carelli@bcchvt.org
Ray Lucas - Shelter Support Staff Coordinator & Property Manager
Ethan Anderson-Chapman - Case Manager & Housing Navigator
Brittany Poitras - Case Manager & Housing Navigator
Aiden Flint - Community Outreach Coordinator
Anthony Rodriquez - Shelter Support Staff
Joe
Katelyn Galusha - Family Services Coordinator & Coordinated Entry Specialist
Our Board of Directors
Zak Hale (PRESIDENT)
Jonathan Ryan (VICE PRESIDENT)
Zak Hale (TREASURER)
Cindy Krautheim (SECRETARY)
Sean Cossey
Jamie Spear
Each member of our Board of Directors volunteers their time to BCCH and offers a wide range of skills need to govern our agency and ensure our success.
Annual Budget
Shelter Policies & Procedures
Rules and regulations are in place to ensure the safety of guests, staff, and communities.
Employment Opportunities
Outreach Services Staff: Join our great team to provide outreach services and support to our local homeless community members. Full-time, no weekends. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply through Indeed, or in person at 966 Main St., please provide a cover letter and resume.
Shelter Support Staff: Join our great team to provide shelter and support to those experiencing homelessness in our community. Both full-time and part-time positions are available. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply through indeed.
FAQ
Q: How many beds are available are at each shelter?
A: There are a total of 16 beds at the 966 Main Shelter. There are 9 efficiency units at the Norton House Family Shelter with a total capacity of 36 individuals.
Q: Is there a waiting list at the 966 Main Shelter?
A: 966 Main Shelter is on a first come, first serve, with a rolling admission policy. This means that when you secure a bed, you are able to keep it through 90 days in hopes of having secured permanent housing by that end date (rules and regulations must be followed to maintain shelter access).
Q: What is your main goal in providing the services that you do?
A: At BCCH, we embrace the housing first model - we believe that safe and affordable housing is a fundamental human right. BCCH strives to offer a stable base and additional supports for all of those finding themselves amidst the global housing crisis.
Q: What are the requirements to stay at the shelters?
A: Anyone seeking shelter at BCCH must first conduct a simple phone intake. Upon that intake, staff will schedule a time to meet with the potential guest in-person to complete a formal intake which includes conducting a Coordinated Entry Assessment.
Beds at 966 Main Street are not reserved over the phone; we act on a first come, first serve basis. Guests must be homeless as defined by HUD definition and standards. All guests of 966 must be 18 or older, and must be willing to work with an on-site case manager.
Q: How long can someone stay at the shelter?
A: The goal is to secure permanent housing within a 90 period. Each length of stay may differ depending upon the individual’s situation. As long as someone is following rules and working hard every day on their plan of care, individuals can be supported on a case by case basis.
Q: What common biases does the public have about the shelter? What are the impacts on the shelter from these biases?
A: Common misconceptions are that all people who are experiencing homelessness are “dangerous” to society. This impacts our shelter by deterring fearful homeless folks from applying for shelter out of fear for their safety. BCCH works to ensure everyone on our grounds are safe and secure. We have installed cameras in all main living areas, office spaces, and outdoors. BCCH also works closely to collaborate with local municipalities such as the Bennington Police Department.
Another misconception is that the homeless community does not want to find employment and solely relies on the government assistance programs. This has impact on the shelter due to stigma of the working person. Many homeless and working folks will often think they are not eligible for our assistance, shelter and programs due to income limits. BCCH does not have an income limitation for acceptance.
Q: Can I get food or clothing from the shelter if I am not staying there?
A: YES! The 966 Main Shelter is a place that you can drop in and grab something to eat and/or take a shower. You will also have access to our donation room that is full of season appropriate clothing, bedding, and personal care items, all of which are donated by members of our community.
Q: How can I reach someone staying at the shelter?
A: The names of residents who stay at the shelters are kept confidential. Unless there is a release of information(ROI) signed by our guests, messages may not be left and personal phone calls will not be accepted.
A parting note from the Executive Directors:
Globally, millions of people live and work just a few paychecks away from a housing crisis. Anyone can become homeless or at-risk of homelessness in the blink of an eye, regardless of education, race, ethnicity, gender, age. Whether you lose a job unexpectedly or have a medical emergency arise. Whether you find yourself in the grips of addiction or under the thumb of a mental health crisis. Without support networks such as friends or family to rely on. The point: anyone, at any given time, may find themselves struggling to maintain, or obtain affordable, safe and sustainable housing that suits their needs.
Homelessness has no face. Homelessness takes zero pity on anyone it crosses with and has zero empathy. The face of homelessness is all of our people, it’s our veterans, our mothers and fathers, our brothers and sisters, our children and grandchildren. BCCH pledges to help the housing crisis by standing up to the stigma of homelessness and providing safe, effective shelter and resources for Bennington County community members.