BURLINGTON – NorthCountry Federal Credit Union presented at $50,000 grant award to COTS on November 27 at COTS’ main program and housing facility, 95 North Avenue.

This generous grant will support COTS’ work to end homelessness in our community and help at least 50 households with homelessness prevention. COTS is the largest service provider for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Vermont. The nonprofit organization provides year-round emergency program shelters for single adults and families with children; homelessness prevention services; and transitional and permanent housing.

“It may surprise people that it doesn’t take much to become homeless,” states Bob Morgan, CEO, NorthCountry Federal Credit Union. “A large expense, job loss or an unexpected event for someone with low financial means can quickly wreak havoc on lives. We support COTS because of their compassionate and effective approach to helping homeless people in our area with safe, temporary or permanent housing. We are happy to donate funds to assist in their good work for our friends and neighbors.”

More than half of COTS’ annual operating budget comes from community donations, including business support. Last year, COTS assisted 2,300 people, including 683 children, in Vermont who were facing the crisis of homelessness.

“We are grateful to NorthCountry for being a longtime and generous supporter of COTS and our homelessness prevention efforts,” said Rita Markley, COTS executive director. “We are honored to be among the wonderful community organizations that NorthCountry helps fund.”

NorthCountry supports charitable organizations throughout Northern Vermont that provide services and funds for education, health issues, poverty, homelessness, hunger, animal welfare and community events. It is open to anyone who lives or works in northern Vermont, and is headquartered in South Burlington. It provides financial services designed to provide convenience and value, and commits 10% of its previous year’s net revenue to community giving. It was organized in 1950, and is the third largest credit union in Vermont.

Photo, left to right: North Country CEO Bob Morgan presents a donation to COTS