Vermont Church Sees Opposition to Accept Homeless

A Vermont church that houses preschool children is getting some opposition from parents over its proposal to act as a homeless shelter in the winter.

Burlington's Development Review Board approved a zoning permit last month for a shelter at the North Avenue Alliance Church. The paperwork needs to be signed and then held through a 30-day appeal period.

Organizations that work with the homeless told parents during a meeting that people would be screened and bused to the church's gym hours after the preschool, which uses the gym, closed. But some parents felt uncomfortable with the idea.

The church is considering the use of an annex, where Sunday school is held, instead. But that would require it to reapply for zoning permits with the city.

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