At CVOEO, a new year brings a renewed commitment to working towards justice in the Champlain Valley and beyond. As we enter 2023, we take a moment to reflect and clarify what justice means to us. 

Justice means that no child in Vermont experiences homelessness and that episodes of child homelessness are rare and brief. It means that our neighbors are able to pay their heat and utility bills all year long, but especially during the cold winter months. Justice means that taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, like persons with disabilities, the elderly, and limited English speaking people, are able to get the help they need. 

CVOEO works to addresses fundamental issues of economic, social, racial, and environmental justice. For our caring and dedicated staff, justice isn't an abstract idea. Justice is meeting people where they are every day and helping them achieve economic independence.

Thank you for joining us.
Solve Child Homelessness
Commentary by Paul Dragon, Executive Director
For those of us who have met children who are unhoused, witnessed their anxiety, curiosity, hope, and laughter, we know that we must do more. The good news is we can. With a relatively modest strategic investment, we can solve child homelessness in Vermont and make episodes of child homelessness rare and brief.
According to the Agency of Human Services, there are approximately 400 families experiencing homelessness statewide, including over 500 children. These children are living in hotels supported by the State’s Emergency Transitional Housing Program, in hotels funded by the General Assistance Emergency Housing Program, or in homeless shelters around the State. There are also, at times, families living in their cars or other places not meant for human habitation.

We can immediately invest in rental supports and family-centered services to solve child homelessness. This investment would coincide with recent efforts by Governor Scott’s administration to boost affordable housing over the next several years.
Keep Our Neighbors Warm
Warmth Support Program Community Bank Challenge

This January and February, join CVOEO and Community Bank for the Warmth Support Program Community Bank Challenge. The next two months represent the coldest in Vermont and a time where donations to the Warmth Support Program lag following the holiday giving season.

In an effort to keep our neighbors warm throughout the entire winter, Community Bank is challenging the community to raise $20,000 in January and February, which will be matched with a $20,000 gift from the bank.

The Warmth Support Program is a vital lifeline for many during the cold winter months, and has supplemented Vermont’s Seasonal and Crisis Fuel Assistance services for over 35 years. One hundred percent of donations to the Warmth Support Program are used for client services and funds are always paid directly to the fuel or energy vendor on behalf of low-income Vermonters.
Provide Financial Support
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

Tax season is just around the corner and CVOEO's three Community Action offices in Burlington, Middlebury, and St. Albans are prepared to provide free preparation services to low- and moderate-income Vermonters. Services include help with income tax returns through VITA as well as support with rent rebates and homestead property declarations.

For more information, including eligibility guidelines, locations, and office hours, please click the below button.
Contribute
In-kind
Cleaning out your closet? Hosting a clothing or food drive? Looking for an organization that can ensure your items get to the people who need them most?

Many of CVOEO’s programs rely on the in-kind support from our community. We often seek new or like-new clothing items, unopened food, baby clothes, toiletries, and more.
CVOEO Career Opportunities