After 21 years, HANDS (Helping and Nurturing Diverse Seniors) will wind down operations. Founded in 2004 by Megan Humphrey, HANDS started as a way to provide a healthy meal and friendship on Christmas day for seniors who would have spent the holiday alone. Over the years, HANDS evolved, and since 2011 it has been a non-profit organization with a mission of providing food and resources for people aged 50+ who struggle with food insecurity in Chittenden County, Vermont. "There's something beautifully full circle about HANDS in the Kitchen returning to where it first began at Thayer House," shared Cathedral Square CEO Kim Fitzgerald.
This week Cathedral Square celebrated the official grand opening of Reid Commons, bringing 33 new energy-efficient, affordable apartments for adults 55 and older to St. Albans. Federal, state, and local officials gathered with community members to celebrate the momentous occasion, over a decade in the works. Located at 17 Lower Newton Street, Reid Commons offers one- and two-bedroom apartments with a range of rents to serve a mixed-income community. Amenities include a lounge, community room with kitchen, telehealth room, gym, elevators, laundry room, covered and surface parking, courtyard, and garden beds.
Cathedral Square is grateful to announce a generous $25,000 gift from Charlotte Congregational Church to support their Housing Incentive Program (HIP). This donation will help fund Cathedral Square's innovative initiative designed to support residents transitioning from homelessness to stable, long-term affordable housing. HIP launched in December 2024 to address Vermont's homelessness crisis by providing comprehensive support to individuals and families during the critical transition period after securing housing.
