March brings new beginnings and moments of celebration. For example, on Sunday, March 10, we welcome back Daylight Saving Time followed by the official arrival of spring on Tuesday, March 19. This month also holds special significance for CVOEO as we celebrate one year of the HOME Voucher Program, providing much-needed stability and housing for families in our community. Additionally, we proudly enter the second month of providing free tax support through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

March is also a time for collective action and community engagement. Town Meeting Day on Tuesday, March 5 brings us together with our neighbors to shape local policies and budgets. The decisions we make on this day affect all of us, particularly our most vulnerable community members. On Town Meeting Day, and everyday, we are reminded that we are the solution and hope to the injustice around us.

"Democracy is to be cherished because it is the best and only form of government that applies to and has the participation of all people. We know that all good things come with a struggle and must be won and renewed continually through thought and action. It’s our democracy, let’s show up and win it every day."

- Paul Dragon

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

Free tax preparation services for low-to-moderate income Vermonters

February 1 marked the beginning of CVOEO’s Community Action Network tax preparation and assistance season! Since then, dedicated staff have helped to prepare and complete 550 tax returns for our qualified neighbors.

Now through Monday, 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.

Please call your local Community Action Network office to schedule an appointment for tax assistance or return preparation:

• Addison County | 802-388-2285
• Chittenden County | 2-1-1
• Franklin & Grand Isle Counties | 802-527-7392 X107

Services for Addison and Franklin & Grand Isle Counties are located at their respective Community Action locations. Chittenden County residents can receive tax support at the University Mall in South Burlington.

HOME Voucher Program

Celebrating one year

Last February, CVOEO and the Vermont Office of Economic Opportunity launched the HOME Family Housing Voucher Program, which provides rapid re-housing vouchers to families experiencing homelessness. Since then, 264 families have matched to a voucher, and with the support of CVOEO staff members, 128 adults and 176 children have been housed.

In 2023, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reported that Vermont had the second-highest per capita rate of homelessness in the country. The HOME Family Housing Voucher Program is an important step toward solving family homelessness by ensuring that families with children have access to rental assistance to make housing affordable.

Housing Justice Book Club

Featuring Just Action by 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.

On April 1, 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 participate in a state-wide Housing Justice Book Club, and attend this event, free of charge.

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

Meet the Board

Wendy Bova

As part of our ongoing effort to highlight members of CVOEO's Board of Directors, we are pleased to introduce Wendy Bova, a member representing Franklin and Grand Isle Counties.

"CVOEO is an organization like no other. Everyone really cares about the community. It is not just a job, it is an institute that goes beyond a job; it is a lifestyle that makes a difference to everyone it touches. I could go on about all the different programs but just knowing there are programs, you never have to feel totally hopeless because there is always help."

Careers at CVOEO

Join our team

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

Come work at one of Vermont Biz's Best Places to Work in Vermont 2024. Our devoted and compassionate team is the heartbeat of our organization, and we invite you to join us.