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Good Samaritan Haven buys Berry Street building, plans year‑round emergency shelter
Summary
Good Samaritan Haven said it closed on a Berry Street property to operate an 18‑bed year‑round emergency shelter called Turret House; renovations begin in October with staff on site 24/7 and a likely opening in early 2026, pending construction timeline.
Good Samaritan Haven announced at the Montpelier City Council meeting that it has closed on a Berry Street property and will operate Turret House, an 18‑bed year‑round emergency shelter for adults, with renovations starting in October.
The organization’s executive director, Julie Bond, said the shelter will operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and provide case management, housing navigation and recovery supports in addition to emergency housing. "The goal is always to help our guests to get into permanent housing to the next step in their own personal goals," Bond said.
Timeline and capacity: Bond said renovations are scheduled to begin in October and the shelter could open as soon as early 2026, depending on construction timing. The facility is intended for adults age 18 and older who can live independently; its second‑floor sleeping area will use bunk beds similar to other regional shelters Good Samaritan Haven operates.
Funding and partners: Bond told council the shelter project is supported by the Vermont Office of Economic Opportunity shelter funds, local foundations and private donors, and partnerships with Vermont Housing Conservation Board and Evernorth. Montpelier Community Foundation continues to support outreach work in the city.
Public response and concerns: Councilors and members of the public welcomed the announcement, while some speakers expressed concerns about shelter model and scale. One public commenter called an 18‑bed congregate shelter insufficient for current need and urged more diverse solutions such as managed camping, hygiene trailers and a larger resiliency plan for the unhoused. Councilors and staff said they will coordinate with public safety, service partners and neighbors as the shelter becomes operational.
Next steps: Good Samaritan Haven plans community outreach, open houses and neighbor office hours in the coming months and will coordinate safety plans and service linkages with city staff and local partners; staff and the council said they will be updated as construction and licensing proceed.
Ending: Councilors thanked the organization for its long effort to create year‑round shelter capacity in Montpelier and invited continued coordination on operations and neighborhood engagement as work proceeds.
