Cathedral Square Launches Housing Incentive Program
SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT — Cathedral Square intends to be part of the solution to ending homelessness in Vermont and is pleased to announce the launch of a new initiative – the Housing Incentive Program (HIP). HIP is aimed at supporting new residents exiting homelessness to be successfully housed over the long term. The pilot will leverage all the existing layers of services available in a Cathedral Square community, including the award-winning SASH® (Support and Services at Home) model, with the added component of tiered financial incentives spaced out over five years for participation in a flexible menu of additional support and education options.
HIP is being piloted at four Cathedral Square communities – Juniper House, Thayer House, and Cathedral Square Senior Living in Burlington and Whitcomb Woods in Essex Junction. These sites were chosen because they also have a SASH emotional wellness clinician, a critical component of the program’s model for success. Thanks to the generosity of several local businesses, Cathedral Square has secured funding to support 20 residents over the next five years. They are actively seeking donations to increase the number of residents they can enroll in the pilot.
Cathedral Square currently supports over 200 residents who were formerly homeless. “Finding ways to support people who have been chronically homeless or have just recently fallen on hard times is part of our mission,” shared Cathedral Square CEO Kim Fitzgerald “We know that one medical incident can wipe out someone’s savings, and we believe everyone deserves a roof over their head with the services and support they need to thrive.”
Founding sponsors of HIP include Northfield Savings Bank (NSB), who is sponsoring five participants, Downs Rachlin Martin (DRM), who is sponsoring two participants, and a gift of $50,000 from an anonymous donor. “I am deeply grateful to NSB, DRM, and our anonymous donor for their generous support of HIP,” Fitzgerald shared. “Their contributions are not just financial support; they are a lifeline for older adults transitioning out of homelessness. Thanks to their commitment, we can provide essential resources and support to those in need over the long term, paving the way for a brighter future and working toward ending homelessness in Vermont.”
“We believe in Vermont’s housing community and the power of lifting fellow citizens to a better place,” said Tom Leavitt, President and CEO of Northfield Savings Bank. “Cathedral Square’s dedication to finding creative solutions to dignified shelter and services has blazed a remarkable trail over 47 years. We want to support their Housing Incentive Program as our way of helping to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for Vermonters striving to achieve greater stability and longer-term security.”
Tim Sampson, director at Downs Rachlin Martin shared, “DRM understands that stable housing is a fundamental need, and by contributing to this initiative, we can help those exiting homelessness find the stability they need to rebuild their lives. We hope our involvement inspires other businesses to join this crucial effort to end homelessness in our state."
“I’m hoping other businesses will join us in this vital mission,” said Fitzgerald. “Together, we can make a profound difference in our communities and ensure that everyone has a place to call home."
To make a donation in support of this program, please visit: cathedralsquare.org/hip