Agency - Tri-Town Shelter Services, Inc.

Our mission is to provide emergency shelter, assist in the prevention of homelessness, and provide follow-up support and services to individuals, couples, and families in order to ensure a successful reentry into the community.

Description:
Tri-Town Shelter Services is a 15-bed shelter located in Vernon for homeless individuals and families. Residents (who come from throughout the state) may stay for a maximum of two months, during which time staff work with them to address the causes of their homelessness and help them find appropriate solutions to the issues identified - homelessness, unemployment, lack of job skills, substance abuse, etc. Tri-Town is funded by a grants from the Department of Social Services, FEMA, the towns of Vernon, Tolland and Ellington, and various fund raising activities. A volunteer board of directors governs Tri-Town, establishes policy and provides for the continued funding and operation of the shelter.

History:
Tri-Town Emergency Shelter began in 1984 and opened its doors on October 3, 1987, following three years of work by compassionate local individuals, charitable groups and religious organizations to recruit a board, secure funding, find a facility, and hire staff. In 1993, the Agency name was legally changed to Tri-Town Shelter Services, Inc. to more accurately describe the services provided. More than just a “bed and a bowl of soup,” the shelter is a place where staff work with those displaced to address the contributing factors resulting in their homelessness. In addition to a new name, the shelter got a new logo. By 1997, Tri-Town began to seriously consider purchasing its own property. This discussion had begun in the early 90’s due to continued rent increases and inadequacy of the facilities. After two unsuccessful attempts to purchase local properties, the current building at 93 East Main Street in Vernon was purchased in September of 2001 and renovations were completed by January of 2004. The most recent innovations are a multipurpose room that houses a computer lab, learning materials, and also serves as a private meeting place for both case management and counseling. Since our beginning the Agency has been served by three Executive Directors. Our current Executive Director has been with us since May 2004.

Contact people:

Pieter Nijssen, Executive Director, (phone), (email) June Blacksten, Secretary, (phone)

Address:

93 East Main Street Vernon, CT 06066 (See a map)

Directions:

Traveling east on I84, take exit 67 and turn left at the end of the exit ramp. Continue straight through two stop lights. The street ends at the third light; turn left onto East Main Street. Tri-Town. . . (more)   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: N/A   Nearest Bus Stop: Z1 CT Transit, 5 min minute walk