About Us
Bennington County Coalition for the Homeless provides safe shelter, food, and support services from homeless families and individuals in Bennington County. Established in 2000, BCCH is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization located in Bennington, Vermont. We provide two year-round shelters for those in our community experiencing homelessness; a family shelter and an adult only shelter. We also provide Outreach Case Management services for those experiencing homelessness not in our shelters. Our shelters provide more than just a bed, offering financial literacy, budgeting, and credit repair programming; housing navigation support and resources; and employment readiness training and resources. At BCCH, we believe it is essential to provide our guests with the tools necessary to obtain, and maintain sustainable, permanent housing that will aid in the battle to end homelessness.
Our Mission Statement
Bennington County Coalition for the Homeless is dedicated to respectfully and compassionately empowering our community members who are experiencing homelessness by providing emergency shelter care, supportive housing staff and community outreach and local partner collaboration.
Our Core Values
Non-judgmental environment
Collaboration with community partners
Individualized supports
Treat all with compassion
Our Team
Karissa L. Myers - Executive Director of Communications and Outreach Services
Roxanne M. Carelli - Executive Director of Operational Development and Shelter Services
Ray Lucas - Shelter Support Staff Coordinator & Property Manager
Lauren Volpi - Community Outreach Case Manager
Savannah Brenestuhl - Case Manager
Chelsey Wiles - Case Manager
Joe Ryan - Shelter Support Staff
Debbie Ferguson - Shelter Support Staff
Ryan Hurley - Shelter Support Staff
Bobby Brenestuhl - Shelter Support Staff
Noah Caldwell - Shelter Support Staff
Anthony Rodriguez - Shelter Support Staff
Katelyn Galusha - Family Services Case Manager & Coordinated Entry Specialist
Our Board of Directors
Cindy Krautheim (PRESIDENT)
Courtney Gerity (TREASURER)
Cindy Murray (SECRETARY)
Jamie Spear
Devyn Thompson
Zak Hale
Chris Lavoy
Each member of our Board of Directors volunteers their time to BCCH and offers a wide range of skills need to govern our agency and ensure our success.
Annual Budget
Shelter Policies & Procedures
Rules and regulations are in place to ensure the safety of guests, staff, and communities.
Employment Opportunities
Shelter Support Staff: Join our great team to provide shelter and support to those experiencing homelessness in our community. Full-time and part-time positions are available for 2nd shift. Interested applicants are encouraged to send a cover letter and resume to roxanne.carelli@bcchvt.org.
FAQ
Q: How many beds are available are at each shelter?
A: There are a total of 16 beds at the 966 Main Shelter. There are 9 efficiency units at the Norton House Family Shelter with a total capacity of 36 individuals.
Q: Is there a waiting list at the 966 Main Shelter?
A: 966 Main Shelter is on a first come, first serve, with a rolling admission policy. This means that when you secure a bed, you are able to keep it through 90 days in hopes of having secured permanent housing by that end date (rules and regulations must be followed to maintain shelter access).
Q: When is the last intake of the day conducted?
A: Phone intakes are conducted daily between 8am and 3:30pm. However, please understand for safety reasons that (unless it is an extreme emergency), no new guests will be accepted into the shelter after 3pm daily. If accepted, you will have to call to confirm the next morning and arrive before 3pm.
Q: What is your main goal in providing the services that you do?
A: Our approach focuses on personal accountability, community collaboration, and practical support to help individuals and families move from crisis to stability — restoring self-reliance and hope through shared responsibility and local partnership.
Q: What are the requirements to stay at the shelters?
A: Anyone seeking shelter at BCCH begins with a brief phone intake. During this call, staff will gather basic information and schedule an in-person meeting to complete a formal intake, which includes a Coordinated Entry Assessment in alignment with state and federal standards.
Please note that beds at 966 Main Street cannot be reserved by phone. Shelter placements are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. To qualify, guests must meet the HUD definition of homelessness, be 18 years of age or older, and be willing to work collaboratively with an on-site case manager toward housing stability.
Similarly, units at our Norton Family Shelter are not reserved. Families are placed on a fluid waitlist based on vulnerability criteria established by the shelter to ensure that those with the greatest need receive priority. To qualify, families must meet HUD homelessness standards and have at least one child (ages birth to 17) in their custody.
Q: How long can someone stay at the shelter?
A: Our goal is to help each guest secure permanent housing within approximately 90 days. However, the length of stay may vary depending on each individual’s unique circumstances. As long as guests follow shelter guidelines and actively engage in their care plan with their case manager, BCCH will continue to provide support on a case-by-case basis to ensure the best possible outcome for long-term stability.
Q: What common bias does the public have about the shelter? What are the impacts on the shelter from these biases?
A: Misconception 1: People experiencing homelessness are “dangerous.”
This misconception can cause unnecessary fear and stigma, even discouraging individuals and families in need from seeking safe shelter. At BCCH, safety is our highest priority. We maintain a secure environment through measures such as video monitoring in common areas, offices, and outdoor spaces and by ensuring that trained staff members are on site to provide support, conflict resolution, and crisis response. In addition, BCCH collaborates closely with local partners, including the Bennington Police Department, to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone on our grounds.
Misconception 2: Individuals experiencing homelessness do not work and rely solely on government assistance.
In reality, many people experiencing homelessness are employed or actively seeking work. Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding homelessness often prevents working individuals and families from reaching out for help, believing they may not qualify for support. At BCCH, there are no income limits for acceptance.
Q: Can I utilize the facilities at the shelter if I am not staying there?
A: Yes. Adults aged 18 and older are welcome to use our day guest services at the 966 Main Shelter. These include access to bathrooms, laundry facilities, and our donation room, which offers season-appropriate clothing, bedding, and personal care items — all generously provided by community members. We also have a small food pantry available to guests. Please note that pantry supplies depend on donations, so availability may vary.
Q: How can I reach someone staying at the shelter?
A: The names of those who stay at the shelters are kept confidential. Unless there is a release of information (ROI) signed by our guests, messages may not be left, and personal phone calls will not be accepted.