This April promises to be particularly wondrous in Vermont! We'll witness the solar eclipse on April 8, followed by Earth Day on April 22. As we marvel at the natural world and contemplate our place within it, CVOEO's Housing Advocacy Programs will also celebrate the 1968 passage of the Fair Housing Act.

Through a series of public education and art events, we aim to raise awareness about housing discrimination in Vermont and the positive role that inclusive, affordable housing plays in building thriving communities. Expect engaging activities like workshops, community discussions, webinars, and art projects happening statewide.

At CVOEO, we believe education and engagement are the cornerstones of a just society. We're part of the communities we serve, and together we can foster belonging and connection. Thank you for showing up for our community – join us this month and throughout the year!

Fair Housing Month

Featuring April 1 keynote event with Richard and Leah Rothstein

Every April, Vermont celebrates Fair Housing Month with a series of events organized by CVOEO's Fair Housing Project. These events raise awareness about the importance of fair and affordable housing for all. Activities include workshops, discussions, art projects, and more.

This evening, CVOEO and the Vermont Human Rights Commission will host a special event featuring authors Richard and Leah Rothstein, who will discuss their book, Just Action. The book explores strategies to address housing segregation and create more equitable communities. All are invited to attend this event free of charge.

This event includes a presentation, discussion, book signing, and refreshments.

In Their Shoes

Fundraiser for Franklin & Grand Isle programs

Please join us on Saturday, May 18, for the 2024 In Their Shoes event, hosted by CVOEO’s Samaritan House, Franklin and Grand Isle Community Action, and Voices Against Violence/Laurie’s House, in partnership with Spectrum Youth & Family Services.

As a family-friendly event and critical fundraiser for local emergency service and food providers, In Their Shoes aims to educate the community about homelessness in Franklin and Grand Isle Counties by offering an opportunity to learn about the daily challenges that our unhoused neighbors encounter.

Each year, community members join together and are provided with guided walking tours around St. Albans by CVOEO staff members who share information about what it means to experience homelessness in our community.

Visit the link below to learn more about the event, including how to participate and make a difference in our community!

Earth Day

Celebrating environmental justice at CVOEO

Earth Day is April 22, a natural moment to reflect on one of the core components of CVOEO's mission: environmental justice.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

Paul Dragon, Executive Director, CVOEO, shares, “Earth Day is a day of wonder, advocacy and action. It is a day that reminds us to live every day with the understanding and will to protect our home and the home of every living thing. It is a time of reflection and opportunity as we know that Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), low-income individuals, and other disadvantaged groups suffer disproportionately from environmental damage. Earth Day is a marker in our journey toward environmental justice. Let us use this day, and every day, to do the most important work: to take care of each other, and save and regenerate this home we share and cherish.”

Meet the Board

Colleen Noni

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

"Being a member of the Board for CVOEO is an opportunity to create, envision, and integrate cohesive programs that provide efficiencies, awareness, connections, and improvements that allow more success in building a stronger community, impacting more individuals in need."

Careers at CVOEO

Join our team

We are thrilled to share that CVOEO has been named one of the 65 Best Places to Work in Vermont 2024! This wouldn't be possible without our phenomenal CVOEO team – the true heart and soul of our organization. Join us and make a difference in our community!