On June 28, over 30 Vermont-based homelessness prevention and response organizations issued an urgent appeal to Governor Phil Scott, calling for immediate and decisive action to address a looming crisis facing nearly 1,000 vulnerable Vermonters at risk of losing emergency shelter by July 1. As of this morning, there has been no substantive response from the Governor.
A homeless shelter in Burlington is celebrating some upgrades. The Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity and Champlain Housing Trust on Thursday showed off renovations to the Champlain Place emergency shelter.
After a year of renovations and program development, the Champlain Place Emergency Shelter opened its doors again on May 22. ?Champlain Place sits on Shelburne Road and is the third shelter project that the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity, CVOEO, and the Champlain Housing Trust have worked on together.? This partnership saw updates to rooms and the building, while also providing more programming opportunities. These building renovations include new plumbing and heating systems, flooring and repairs, and an outdoor courtyard for residents.
After surviving a turbulent relationship, Khayli is finding peace – and herself – at Voices Against Violence’s newest domestic violence shelter. Through workshops and communal living, Khayli is receiving the support she needs to grow and heal from both a substance use addiction and an abusive boyfriend. Community members can walk in the shoes of Khayli and others experiencing hardships Saturday, May 24 during “In Their Shoes,” a fundraiser for CVOEO programs.
Explore highlights from CVOEO’s 2025 Fair Housing Month: keynote with Cashauna Hill, Statehouse testimony, youth advocacy, statewide webinars, and community art. Learn how Vermont continues the fight for housing justice.
In recent years, our country has experienced a significant rise in homelessness, with Vermont experiencing a 300% increase in homelessness over the last five years. The Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO), which includes Franklin & Grand Isle Community Action, Samaritan House and Voices Against Violence, has been actively supporting a growing number of individuals and families. The homelessness crisis has been exacerbated by the shortage of safe and affordable housing and rising inflation.
Learn about your rights and responsibilities as a renter at an upcoming workshop series from CVOEO. ? ?Starting May 6, each workshop has a different focus and will be located at Franklin Grand Isle Community Action at 5 Lemnah Drive, St. Albans. Walk-ins are welcome.
Vermont has begun using Medicaid to bolster housing navigation and housing sustaining services to eligible individuals. The Department for Children and Families’ (DCF) Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) will be managing this project by partnering with five housing services agencies to provide assistance for 100 Vermonters experiencing chronic homelessness who have associated health and social needs.
Burlington will open an emergency shelter this President's Day weekend as a widespread winter storm looks to bring dangerously cold conditions to the area. The emergency shelter will be at the Miller Center at 130 Gosse Court and will be open from Monday evening at 5 p.m. to Tuesday at 8 a.m.
A statement from Paul Dragon, Executive Director, CVOEO, on the recent changes in federal funding for social services.