The Winston Prouty Center for Child and Family Development announced today it has received a $1 million donation to open a family shelter on its campus, a project designed to provide safe housing for families experiencing homelessness in Windham County.
The shelter will serve as an immediate lifeline for families who have no stable place to live, offering not only a roof but also access to support services.
“This investment makes it possible for us to give families safety, dignity, and hope in a moment of crisis,” said Chloe Learey, executive director of Winston Prouty. “At the same time, it is a step toward the broader solutions our community needs.”
Winston Prouty is also developing plans for affordable workforce housing on its 180-acre campus. Leaders say the combination of emergency shelter and long-term housing is part of a vision to address Vermont’s deepening housing shortage. The Village at Winston Prouty is planning to start the first phase of its project, 28 out of the 300 housing units, this quarter.
Across the state, rising rents and limited availability have left many working families without affordable options. Community leaders say the shortage is especially severe in Windham County, where local employers struggle to attract and retain workers because of the housing crunch.
The donation was made by Nancy Braus who said, “Watching the number of people experiencing homelessness in our town continue to grow has made me want to do something truly impactful and when my mother passed away in February, I was given that chance. She left me an inheritance, and I knew immediately all of it should be used to support our community. My parents, Jane and Jay Braus, were long-time supporters of local organizations helping those in need across Western Massachusetts, and I know they would be proud to see these funds making a difference for families.”
“Every child deserves the security of a safe, warm place to sleep at night—a privilege I’ve always been fortunate to have,” Braus added.
The family shelter is expected to open before the end of the year. Winston Prouty will work with community partners to operate the program and connect families with long-term housing resources.
For more information about Winston Prouty’s housing initiatives, visit https://winstonprouty.org/
