- Alison Novak ©️ Seven Days
- The ribbon cutting in front of Main Street Family Housing
On Monday, around 70 community members — housing advocates, elected officials and donors among them — gathered to celebrate the opening of Main Street Family Housing, a three-story building designed specifically for families coming out of emergency shelters and motels.
"You know what? It can be done," Welch told the crowd. "And here it is. It's proof it can be done. And we've got to keep it up."
The $8.4 million project is a partnership between Burlington housing nonprofit COTS and affordable housing developer Evernorth. The two organizations are co-owners of the building.
Evernorth is also working with the Champlain Housing Trust to develop Bay Ridge, a 94-unit affordable housing complex in Shelburne.
The building is located directly behind COTS' Main Street Family Shelter, an emergency shelter for up to 10 families. Tenants living in the building have access to the same social services providers that shelter guests have, including mental health advocates, children's education advocates and housing caseworkers.
Research has shown that this "supportive housing model" — which combines affordable housing with intensive coordinated services — is effective in helping people maintain stable housing.
Inside, the walls are painted in calming colors, and large windows allow natural light to flow in. A wraparound patio and common room provide gathering space for tenants. Top-floor units have views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks.
- Alison Novak ©️ Seven Days
- Main Street Family Housing
Its design "[underscores] the importance of treating people with dignity," Mott said. "It should look and feel like an apartment anyone would want to live in."
- Alison Novak ©️ Seven Days
- Kids had their faces painted at the ribbon cutting.
At the ribbon cutting, which included face painting and an ice cream truck, several speakers noted the building's ideal location. It is across the street from Edmunds Elementary and Middle schools and easily walkable to City Market, Onion River Co-op; the Fletcher Free Library; Church Street; and playgrounds.
Nancy Owens, president of Evernorth, called the new building
She said its small footprint is proof that similar apartment buildings are possible in Burlington.
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