"The news of the three young Palestinian students who were shot in Burlington, along with the ongoing violence in this country and across the world, makes the heart cry out in pain and disbelief. At times like this we tend to search far and wide for answers when they are the closest to us. We are all part of the answer.

At CVOEO, my colleagues are doing mighty and meaningful work that will overcome hate and violence. As a community, we can find hope, meaning, and a way through the pain when we take care of each other and those around us. We win with hope, a vision for the future, and hard work. We win when we are united. 

I hope that you will join us this December, and all year long, as we come together to take care of each other." 

- Paul Dragon, Executive Director, CVOEO

Support the three young Palestinian men shot in Burlington.

Support the Muslim community by supporting local businesses.

Holidays without Hunger

CVOEO aims to feed 15,000 families

Holidays with Hunger, CVOEO's community-funded campaign to help feed 15,000 families in need, aims to have everyone share a holiday meal with their loved ones.

CVOEO feeds Vermont's Champlain Valley through its three food access programs: Addison Food Shelf, Feeding Chittenden, and NorthWest Family Foods. These food programs are just one aspect of our work to make Holidays without Hunger a reality for Vermonters across the region. Each of our food shelves' doors are open five days a week to provide fresh produce, meat and protein items, prepared meals, fresh and local dairy products, healthy kitchen staples, and non-food essentials such as diapers, toiletries, and hygiene products. 

In addition, CVOEO's food access programs meet people where they are in life by delivering food to homes and access sites like health care centers and motels, while also sharing hot meals and responding to the needs of seniors, families and children, the unhoused, New Americans, and all of our neighbors who are vulnerable to food insecurity. 

We still have some work ahead of us to reach our goal and we can do it if everyone chips in just a little. Please give what you can to ensure our community has a Holiday without Hunger. 

Day 1 Families Fund

CVOEO receives a 2023 award

CVOEO has received a $5 million 2023 Bezos Day 1 Families Fund award. We are one of the 38 organizations across the country selected this year by an independent advisory group of national experts for our efforts to move the needle on family homelessness in Vermont.

This generous investment will elevate CVOEO's strategies around helping families achieve long-term stable housing to bring an end to child homelessness in Vermont. We are grateful for the Day 1 Families Fund’s support as we help more families experiencing homelessness regain safe, stable housing, and achieve well-being.

Samaritan House

Featured in the St. Albans Messenger

“Nobody’s here because they committed a crime. They need a space to get back on their feet, and we’re here to look out for one another.”

- Ben Kaufmann, Director, Samaritan House

Ben Kaufmann, Program Director at CVOEO's Samaritan House in St. Albans, was recently featured in the St. Albans Messenger. Ben shared updates on the shelter's renovations, which are halfway complete.

Samaritan House provides emergency shelter and support services to people experiencing homelessness in Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. Its mission is to empower people experiencing homelessness in our community to access safe housing and support.

If you or someone you care about is in need of emergency shelter or housing support, please call 802-527-0847. 

Meet the Board

Brian Cina

As part of our ongoing effort to highlight members of CVOEO's Board of Directors, we are pleased to introduce Brian Cina, a member representing Chittenden County. 

"I am inspired by CVOEO's mission to promote economic, social, racial, and environmental justice by improving social determinants of health, including access to childcare, financial education, housing/shelter, and food. CVOEO supports the development of greater independence while honoring our interdependence on each other."

Careers at CVOEO

Join our team

Searching for a meaningful career supporting your community? CVOEO is hiring!

Join a passionate team that is committed to addressing issues of economic, social, racial, and environmental justice. Help support your neighbors in need and make a difference in our community.