Burlington

Burlington is a small, progressive city on the shores of Lake Champlain, known for its liberal politics, strong arts scene, and a downtown that stays lively even through brutal Vermont winters. It's a place with real wealth—average household income runs around $75,000—but that money is unevenly spread, and the cost of housing has pushed many people into precarious situations. Chittenden County's point-in-time count identified over 700 people experiencing homelessness in January 2023, a number that includes both sheltered and unsheltered individuals, and it's likely an undercount given how many people double up or sleep in cars. Winters here are dangerous for anyone without stable shelter, so getting connected to warming spaces and case management early matters. COTS (Committee on Temporary Shelter) runs emergency shelter and housing programs and is usually a first stop for many. The Committee on Temporary Shelter works alongside groups like Feeding Chittenden for food access and the Janet S. Munt Family Room for support if you have kids. This city has resources, but you shouldn't have to figure them out alone—reach out, ask questions, and let people help you; you deserve to be warm and safe tonight.