Summer greetings from CVOEO! We're excited to announce that applications are now open for the annual Farm to Family Program, providing access to healthy options for income-eligible residents. Additionally, Feeding Chittenden has expanded its reach, becoming Feeding Champlain Valley, and continues its vital work to address hunger in our communities.

This newsletter also dives into the ongoing need for our community to support Vermont's unhoused population. You'll find the results of the 2024 Point in Time count, along with updates on the renovations at CVOEO's Champlain Place Emergency Shelter, which will increase its capacity to serve even more unsheltered or unhoused Vermonters in our community.

Read on to learn more about these important programs and how you can join us to support our neighbors.

Farm to Family Coupons

Applications now open

This month, the Vermont Farm to Family Program officially launches its application process, granting eligible Vermonters access to coupon books. These coupons can be redeemed for locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets and farm stands. The application takes income eligibility and participation in the Department of Health’s WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Program into account. Approved individuals under 60 years old receive $30 in coupons, while those aged 60 and over receive $48 in coupons.

For additional information, contact your local CVOEO Community Action Network office:

Addison Community Action: 802-388-2285

Chittenden Community Action: 802-863-6248

Franklin & Grand Isle Community Action: 802-527-7392

Feeding Champlain Valley

Feeding Chittenden expands its reach

We are thrilled to announce that Feeding Chittenden at CVOEO is now Feeding Champlain Valley!

For over 50 years, Feeding Champlain Valley has worked to address hunger through innovative programs rooted in compassion, dignity, and inclusivity. With community support, this important program continues to work toward ending hunger, promoting health, and building strong, resilient communities.

This new name underscores CVOEO's commitment to anti-hunger work in Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle Counties. While the Feeding Chittenden name has changed, the critical mission and dedication remains the same. Feeding Champlain Valley is here to provide nourishing meals, support, and community to all of our neighbors in the Champlain Valley.

Visit Feeding Champlain Valley's new website to learn more about programs and services, ways to give, and how you can get involved. Together, we will create a hunger-free future for all.

Point in Time Count

Nationwide count of people experiencing homelessness

Recently published results from the January 24, 2024 Point in Time count show 3,458 Vermonters were experiencing homelessness, including 737 children and 646 Vermonters aged 55 or older. Advocates recognize this as an undercount, as it only reflects those who engaged with shelter service providers on that day.

The Point in Time (PIT) count is an annual nationwide count of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January. It includes those staying in emergency shelters, transitional housing, and Safe Havens. The count helps identify and support unhoused communities, connecting them to housing, benefit resources, food, and basic supplies.

Frank Knaack, Executive Director of the Housing and Homelessness Alliance of Vermont, emphasized that Vermont’s homelessness crisis is a political choice. He shares, “it is past time for Vermont to rethink its approach to public safety and finally prioritize the safety and well-being of all residents."

Learn more about the Point in Time count by visiting the link below.

Champlain Place

Program updates & information

In May, CVOEO and Champlain Housing Trust began renovations to enhance CVOEO's Champlain Place Emergency Shelter, expanding its capacity with an additional 12 beds. In collaboration with Economic Services, referrals for capacity will prioritize those most in need. Renovations at Champlain Place will be complete by early August, aiming to host 42 year-round guests and 30 winter guests by December. Importantly, no guests have been displaced during this ongoing work.

On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in the Johnson v. Grants Pass case, ruling that cities can enforce regulations on public camping when shelter space is unavailable. This decision has raised concerns, and CVOEO remains committed to working hard to support those experiencing homelessness, and our whole community. Champlain Place is one of three shelters at our organization, and we will continue to innovate and persevere on our path to ending homelessness in Vermont.

Come work with one of Vermont Biz’s Best Places to Work in Vermont 2024! At CVOEO, our dedicated and caring staff form the heart of our organization. Our employees work to uphold CVOEO's mission to address fundamental issues of economic, social, racial, and environmental justice. Join us and make a difference.