Charter House Coalition 27 North Pleasant Street, Middlebury, VT 05753

"It's a homeless shelter and they help hundreds of people / families find and stay in stable housing as well as providing a safe temporary housing solution for those in need and also provide meals for those in need also."

"It is a privilege being part of Charter House and the dedicated volunteers , staff and guests that make up the Charter House family. Below is a testament from a guest and her experience there: "As a guest of Charter House I feel privileged to say a few things about how comforting, accomadating, and a necessity this shelter is to a county where so many suffer from homelessness and food insecurities. A web of connection, support groups, community meals, and informative help for a variety of one's needs flow from this place. The staff at Charter House are professional, and respectful with a genuine sincerity to help and direct guests to a better place in their life's path. The volunteers who unselfishly and generously donate their time to cook meals, do laundry, converse with guests and show genuine concern for guests and the challenges they are facing. ALL are welcome at Charter House and treated and respected equally. Charter House has been so beneficial for myself at a time when I had no answers to life's struggles. I would recommend this community volunteer based shelter to anyone who is homeless or food deprived and have question marks in their lives. I can only hope that Charter House will be able to provide shelter on a year round basis some day. Thank you Charter House for being there for ME!"

"I have been involved with Charter House in varying capacities for two and a half years. My experience has been an extremely positive one. In the winter months, Charter House provides a warm and welcoming place to stay for people experiencing homelessness. Throughout the year, Charter House provides a warm meal seven days a week. People come to meals because they are hungry, but also for social nourishment and a sense of belonging. I am profoundly thankful to be a part of Charter House, as it gives me a deep sense of purpose, friendship and interaction with an amazing group of people who care deeply about others."

"I've been volunteering at Charter House for about a year now. I have great relationships with people who are guests at the Charter House (use Charter House's services) and with the other volunteers. Everyone I've talked to feel a sense of belonging, community, respect, and inclusion. Charter House is neither patronizing nor paternalistic. Everyone is genuinely passionate about making the community inclusive, especially those who are food and home insecure. I highly recommend checking out Charter House and being a volunteer!! You'll have awesome conversations and meet people from all different walks of life!"

"Charter House is a terrific organization. Shelter, food guidance, support, humor, and advice about job hunting and area resources can all be found there. In addition to the paid staff, volunteers come from all walks of life and are highly invested in the place. It is incredible to me that one can find one free meal every day of the week in Middlebury, be it lunch, dinner, breakfast or the Sunday grill."