The annual COTS Walk is a 3.5-mile trek (a shorter 1-mile route is available) around downtown Burlington that starts from Battery Park and follows the path a person experiencing homelessness might travel to connect with COTS shelter and services. This is the one day of the year COTS opens our program spaces to the community so people can see how their support makes a difference.

Check-in begins at 1 p.m., and the Walk kicks off at 2 p.m. Walkers head down the Church Street Marketplace, up Main Street and into surrounding neighborhoods. Along the way, walkers are invited inside of COTS’ numerous buildings.

The Walk takes about 1-2 hours to complete, ending back at Battery Park where walkers are met with music and Ben & Jerry’s.

WHO WALKS AND WHY

About 2,000 walkers of all ages, from businesses, schools, social and religious organizations, and neighborhoods come together from all over the region to participate in the annual COTS Walk.

The COTS Walk has two purposes: To raise public awareness about homelessness in our community and to raise money to support COTS shelters and services for Vermonters who are homeless or are at risk of losing their homes.

Learn more at https://cotsonline.org/get-involved-2/newsevents/cots-walk/

Many volunteers are needed to make this event successful. Learn more at https://cotsonline.org/get-involved-2/newsevents/cots-walk/volunteer-opportunities/