St Johnsbury’s Shelter at Moose River May Double Capacity Following Successful Winter Launch

ST. JOHNSBURY — Plans are underway to possibly double the occupancy capacity at the Shelter at Moose River. Expansion of the current 20-person capacity, 24/7 shelter on Moose River Drive was contemplated in the fall of 2023 when Rural Edge bought the Father’s House church property and initiated a quick construction period to create a space for homeless people to occupy by winter 2024. With Northeast Kingdom Community Action overseeing operations, the shelter welcomed its first guests on Jan. 27, 2024. The project, funded by the Vermont Housing Conservation Board, cost $816,608. The shelter established 8-foot by 8-foot cubicle sleeping units but also introduced infrastructure like a commercial sprinkler system to allow for expansion.