The trust was raising $650,000 needed to buy its present night shelter property in central Dunedin, which would secure the shelter's presence in the city for the long term.
Mr Brown said the community trust's pledge left it with $200,000 to raise to reach its target.
''It's not only a morale boost, either. The community trust giving us funding sends a signal that we are a valued service to the community.''
The night shelter trust operates two emergency accommodation facilities on the inner-city site it rents.
The five-bedroom night shelter provides food and a place to sleep for homeless people for up to three nights, and the Phoenix Lodge runs ''stepping stone'' rental accommodation for up to three months, to support people in need to get back into mainstream community.
Since 2007, it has provided more than 1200 bed nights of emergency accommodation for vulnerable Dunedin people, mostly men, and demand is growing.
It averages 60 bed nights a month.
Otago Community Trust chief executive Barbara Bridger said the shelter was an asset for the community.
''Helping the organisation purchase rather than lease would ensure it continues to operate in what is an ideal location, putting it on a surer footing to offer an essential service to those most in need. We're pleased to be able to help.''
The community trust gave more than $370,955 to 26 Otago organisations in September, including the night shelter.
Donations were: IPMS Central Otago Model Society Inc ($500); Alexandra BMX Club Inc ($6000); Central Otago District Council ($6400); Clutha District Council ($3435); Catlins Promotions Inc ($5200); Otago Radio Control Car Club Inc ($700); Dunedin City Council - Youth Action Committee ($1000); Dunedin City Council - Dunedin Public Library ($1000); Bradford Primary School ($1200); Acts of Kindness Charitable Trust ($1500); Kaikorai Rugby Football Club Inc ($4000); Habitat for Humanity Dunedin Ltd ($5000); Saddle Hill Foundation Trust ($7500); Tokomairiro A&P Society ($7000); Waitaki District Schools Pipeband ($1520); CCS Disability Action Waitaki Inc ($10,000); Epilepsy Assn of NZ Inc - Otago ($1700); Dunedin Community House Trust Inc ($12,000); Hawea Flat School ($1000); Otago Chamber of Commerce ($40,000); Lightclub ($20,000); Catlins Search and Rescue ($13,000); Chatbus ($17,500); New Zealand Book Council ($800); Port Chalmers Rowing Club ($3000).
