CVOEO continuously provides individuals and families with the basic needs of food, fuel, and housing support in times of crisis, and helps them acquire the necessary education, financial skills, and assets to build a stable future. In addition, during the month of February, our staff simultaneously, focus on providing warmth, rental assistance, tax assistance, and hope to our neighbors.

In response to the bitter cold temperatures in our region, staff at the Community Resource Center in Burlington have extended the hours of operation to ensure that people in need stay warm, receive services, hot drinks, and snacks. Starting today, the new HOME Family Housing Voucher program begins to accept applications to help families with children gain access to rental assistance to make housing affordable. Additionally, our Community Action Network staff continue to provide support so that our neighbors are able to stay warm and safe at home.

We do this work as a community and we thank you for partnering with us.
Community Resource Center
Hours extended due to extreme cold weather
CVOEO’s Community Resource Center (CRC), located at Feeding Chittenden, 228 North Winooski Avenue in Burlington, has extended its hours to 9am - 4pm through Friday, February 3. Guests are welcome to stay and receive services, hot drinks, and snacks until 4pm.

In addition, the CRC will be open on Saturday, February 4 and Sunday, February 5 from 9am - 12pm for hot drinks and snacks. The extended opening is a response to extreme cold weather.

The CRC is a daytime warming and resource center providing services to people experiencing homelessness and other community members in need. 
HOME Program Launches
CVOEO begins accepting applications today, February 1

 “We know that children who experience homelessness have poorer health and educational outcomes, and will have a higher risk of homelessness as adults. This funding and our work at CVOEO are part of a strategic investment in solving child homelessness in Vermont. Thanks to the State of Vermont and our partners at DCF for this initial investment in our collective future.”

- Paul Dragon
Vermont's Office of Economic Opportunity and CVOEO are providing a new rapid re-housing voucher program to families experiencing homelessness. Modeled after the CARES Housing Voucher Program, CVOEO’s HOME Family Housing Voucher Program will provide up to 100 families with 12-18 months of rental assistance. Families will be referred through the coordinated entry process, with local organizations providing housing navigation and retention services. 

The HOME Family Housing Voucher Program is an important step towards solving family homelessness by ensuring that families with children have access to rental assistance to make housing affordable.
Keeping Our Neighbors Warm
Providing support for a variety of home heating systems

The upcoming frigid temperatures will make it difficult for many of our neighbors to stay warm in their homes and our Community Action Network staff are prepared to help people access Seasonal, Crisis Fuel, and Warmth Support Program benefits. Support is provided for many types of home heating systems.

If you or someone you know needs home heating support, please contact one of our three Community Action Network offices:

- Addison Community Action | 802-388-2285
- Chittenden Community Action| 802-863-6248
- Franklin and Grand Isle Community Action | 802-527-7392
Will you join us to keep our neighbors warm at home?
Please consider donating to the Warmth Support Program Community Bank Challenge. 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.

Community Bank has challenged CVOEO to raise $20,000 by the end of February.
Tax Preparation and Assistance
The Community Action Network kicks off tax season
Today marks the beginning of CVOEO’s Community Action Network tax preparation and assistance season. Now through Saturday, April 15, low-to-moderate income Vermonters can receive no-cost assistance with income tax return preparation through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), as well as help with rent rebates and homestead property declarations.
 
If you or someone you know needs support with tax assistance or return preparation, please call to schedule an appointment:

- Addison County | 802-388-2285
- Chittenden County | 2-1-1
- Franklin and Grand Isle Counties | 802-527-7392 ext 107
 
Services for Addison, Franklin, and Grand Isle Counties will be located at their respective Community Action locations. To ensure adequate social distancing, Chittenden County residents will have services provided at the University Mall in South Burlington.
$700 Needed in Laurie's House Challenge
In November 2022, Voices Against Violence marked the 20th anniversary of Laurie’s House, its emergency shelter located in St. Albans for families and survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary, Laurie's House challenged the community to raise $20,000 to support the shelter’s operations. Thanks to the generosity of our neighbors, we are less than $700 away from meeting our fundraising goal. Will you help us get across the finish line?
Career Opportunities
with CVOEO