South Burlington nonprofit withdraws homeless shelter proposal

The Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) has withdrawn its proposal to establish a 100-bed, low-barrier homeless shelter at 1717 Williston Road in South Burlington. The decision followed opposition from city officials who issued a memo suggesting the project would strain municipal services.

City staff cited data from a previous CVOEO shelter operation, noting high volumes of police and fire department responses. Officials also expressed concerns regarding potential increases in retail theft and drug use, as well as the logistical difficulties for unhoused individuals traveling between South Burlington and Burlington to access essential services.