Dear Friends of LCH,
As we enter the holiday season, I am reflecting on all of the things I am personally grateful for. I am healthy. I have a career that I love and derive purpose from. I have two wonderful, healthy, children and a loving partner. I am able to take time to rest and rejuvenate through art and activities that bring me joy. I have colleagues and a team at the shelter that are reliable, intelligent, hard working, and compassionate. I have the honor of collaborating with other nonprofits doing amazing work in our community. I get to be part of a system of care that truly thinks about the needs of the people we serve, and works together to try our best to solve the issues they face. Most of all, I’m grateful for you—the community that supports our work. Your engagement in our newsletters and shared vision for a better world means so much to me.
A sense of belonging is essential for a fulfilling life, and we strive to bring that to our guests. Beyond providing shelter, food, and basic needs, we aim to connect people with meaningful activities and learning opportunities. With our new space and transportation program, we’re creating even more opportunities for growth and engagement. After four years of rapid growth, we’re focusing this year on planning intentionally to make the shelter experience well-rounded and full of opportunity.
Here’s how you can get involved and support our efforts:
- Fundraising campaign to support additional staff and maintain our van and e-bikes.
- Annual Meeting on Wednesday, Nov 20, 5-6pm at Two Son’s Bakehouse in Hyde Park.
- Community Forum on housing and homelessness on Dec 5th at Morrisville Library.
- Volunteer opportunities—check out how you can help!
Thank you for your continued support. I’d love to hear what you’re grateful for this season—feel free to reply and share!
Warmly,
Kim
Join us for our 2024 Annual Meeting!
Wednesday, November 20th
5 to 6pm
Two Son’s Bake House in the Village of Hyde Park
Join us for some light refreshments while we celebrate the last year and look ahead at the future of LCH in our new home!
What’s up with the van, man?
We have a van and e-bikes—because transportation is vital, especially in rural areas where access to employment, healthcare, and recreation can be limited. For people experiencing homelessness, the inability to get around and the stigma of being unhoused can lead to isolation.
Our mission is to help unhoused individuals lead fuller lives. We connect them to healthcare, meet their basic needs, and provide access to arts, recreation, and essential services. Through our transportation program, guests have attended live theater, exercised on e-bikes, and even made it to the polls to vote.
Now, we’re expanding our transportation program. Additional funding will help cover van and e-bike expenses and increase staff capacity to provide more outings.
We aim to raise $15,000, and thanks to East Rise Credit Union, we’re only $13,000 away from our goal! You can help us reach it by donating today and selecting “Transportation Program Fund” in the dropdown.
We’re grateful to East Rise Credit Union for their support and hope you’ll join us in broadening the horizons of those experiencing homelessness.
Community Forum on Housing and Homelessness: overcoming stereotypes and discussing the realities of people experiencing homelessness in Lamoille County.
On 10/31/24 there are 80 households who are at risk of becoming homeless and 69 households are literally homeless in Lamoille County. In total, there are 203 adults and 104 children who are at risk of or are currently experiencing literal homelessness in Lamoille County.
We recognize that Vermont’s rising homeless population impacts us all, and we want to talk about it. Bring your questions and concerns and speak with local community organizers including leaders from The Lamoille Community House, The Clarina Howard Nichols Center, North Central Vermont Recovery Center, Capstone Community Action, Lamoille County Mental Health Services, and others.
This is a space to be heard and share concerns in order to learn together and find solutions.
