With nine distinct yet interconnected programs, CVOEO offers a holistic and client-centered approach to serving individuals, families, and communities. In addition to our core programs, CVOEO’s work involves creating opportunities for our neighbors to come together to celebrate one another, fundraise for our neighbors in need, and acknowledge important community milestones. 

This month, in the spirit of coming together, we are excited to share information about critical fundraising opportunities like 2023 Karibu and Wheels 4 Warmth, along with moments of celebration like the reopening of our Community Resource Center and the Champlain Inn Emergency Shelter becoming a program of CVOEO.

We hope that you will join us this month, and all year long, as we come together in community. 

Karibu 2023

Saturday, October 21, 4:30 PM

Please join us at Karibu, CVOEO’s annual, community-centered celebration of culture and growing diversity in our region. Karibu, which means “welcome” in Swahili, will gather us together to enjoy fashion, art, performance, and light refreshments to benefit CVOEO’s Asylum Seekers Assistance Program. The event will be held at the University of Vermont's Fleming Museum of Art. Tickets are free, but must be reserved in advance.

Can’t attend? Your gift to the Asylum Seekers Assistance Program will provide asylees with emergency funds to purchase essential items – such as personal hygiene supplies, diapers, food, and medicine.

Wheels for Warmth

Help keep our neighbors warm

The 18th Annual Wheels for Warmth will take place on Thursday, October 26, through Saturday, October 28. Recycle or donate your old tires, and help provide emergency heating assistance to vulnerable Vermonters this winter.

Wheels for Warmth is an annual event that helps to provide emergency heating assistance for vulnerable Vermonters through the Warmth Support Program. All funds collected are redistributed to those in need, and will help to keep our community warm all season long.

Locations and times are confirmed, and details can be found on the Wheels for Warmth website.

Community Resource Center

Phase I renovations complete

On Thursday, September 21, CVOEO hosted a press conference and community gathering to share the first phase of renovations to Burlington’s Community Resource Center at Feeding Chittenden.

A critical community asset in Burlington’s Old North End, CVOEO’s Community Resource Center supports approximately 125 community members per day, many of whom are experiencing homelessness. Open five days per week and staffed by community resource advocates, the Center provides community members with hot meals, housing navigation support, and other services. It also serves as a refuge for people during inclement weather and a place for people to connect and find a sense of community. 

During phase I renovations of the building located at 228 N Winooski Ave, CVOEO expanded and enhanced the space for seating and service, made improvements to the climate control and ventilation systems to address comfort and safety for guests and staff, and created separation between Feeding Chittenden’s teaching kitchen and the dining area for guests. The renovated space improves service capacity and creates a safer and more welcoming environment for all.

“The Community Resource Center is an invaluable gathering place for people to connect and access services. We could not have done this work without the financial support of the City of Burlington and the support of the Champlain Housing Trust, which managed the renovations. We are thrilled with phase I and are looking ahead to phase II, which will include the construction of a second story to expand the Community Resource Center and create administrative offices, a conference room, and teaching space.”

Paul Dragon, CVOEO's Executive Director

The completion of phase II is vital as the Community Resource Center continues to provide support to more and more people seeking food and services. CVOEO provided close to 40,000 meals to over 2,300 unduplicated people at the Community Resource Center last year. Most visitors are unsheltered, living in emergency shelters, or marginally housed community members. 

Champlain Inn

Now a CVOEO program

CVOEO assumed operations of the Champlain Inn Emergency Shelter on Monday, October 2. Guests currently staying at the Champlain Inn and all future guests will be invited to stay for as long as necessary while continuing to work on their housing plan.

CVOEO will not take new referrals until renovations improve the building’s safety, comfort, and security. CVOEO staff will reach out to our partners when there is availability at the Champlain Inn and priority will be given to community members who are unsheltered. In the meantime, we will continue to provide meals to shelter guests each day through our Feeding Chittenden program, while delivering comprehensive care coordination and access to CVOEO programs and community services.

We are thrilled to welcome back former Champlain Inn staff members to work alongside newly hired team members. Together, we will work in an integrated and holistic way to ensure that the Champlain Inn remains a critical community asset for our neighbors in need.

Careers at CVOEO

Join our team

Join one of the VermontBiz and Vermont Chamber of Commerce's top 57 Best Places to Work in Vermont 2023, and help make a difference in our community.

At CVOEO, our caring and dedicated staff is the heart and soul of our organization, and we want you to join us.