Fair Housing Project loses federal funds, invites community support

CVOEO’s Fair Housing Project Loses Crucial Federal Funding and Invites the Community’s Support

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 2025

Burlington, VT – As February came to a close, so did the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) support for anti-discrimination and fair housing education and enforcement efforts around the country, including Vermont’s own CVOEO Fair Housing Project. HUD’s annual grant funded 80% of the Fair Housing Project, which is Vermont’s only statewide program solely dedicated to Fair Housing outreach and education. CVOEO is calling on the community to help raise the resulting $30,000 shortfall to sustain this essential work in 2025.

The Fair Housing Project is a core component of CVOEO’s statewide Housing Advocacy Programs. Skilled Fair Housing Project staff provide consultations and support for people experiencing housing discrimination, assist in filing Fair Housing complaints, offer training for housing providers and community leaders, and work closely with other organizations and CVOEO programs to ensure people understand their rights and responsibilities under Fair Housing law.

“Shutting down the state’s only dedicated fair housing education and outreach program would have dire repercussions - especially at a time when our enforcement partners at the Vermont Human Rights Commission and Vermont Legal Aid are also underfunded and not able to keep up with the volume of complaints and investigations,” said Jess Hyman, CVOEO’s Associate Director of Statewide Housing Advocacy Programs.

The urgency of the Fair Housing Project’s work has never been more apparent, especially in the context of Vermont’s ongoing housing crisis. With rising competition for fewer available homes, landlords can be more selective, making discrimination harder to spot and even harder to prove. A recent Fair Housing Analysis by the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development revealed that 30% of respondents — comprised of housing professionals, the public, immigrants, refugees, and vulnerable Vermonters — reported experiencing housing discrimination in their search for a home.

“In addition to direct support for people experiencing discrimination, our community-based activities and events play a significant role in raising awareness about housing justice and equity and helping to reduce NIMBYism and increase public will for inclusive, affordable housing.” Hyman said. “We will continue to do as much of this work as we can and integrate fair housing resources into our other programs. The need is not going away - and neither will we.”

Though the loss of federal funding is a significant challenge, CVOEO’s Fair Housing Project is no stranger to adversity. The team is working closely with other CVOEO programs to ensure that services continue, but without additional funding, these services will be limited and time bound.

Despite the loss of this critical federal funding, CVOEO remains committed to continuing this essential work with the support of the community.

How You Can Help:

• Donate: Help us meet our $30,000 goal to sustain the Fair Housing Project’s work with a gift.
  Your Link
  
  
• Get Involved: Each April, CVOEO's Fair Housing Project collaborates with housing providers, community organizations, libraries, and arts groups across Vermont to commemorate the 1968 passing of the Fair Housing Act. Through public education, neighborhood discussions, virtual panels, and art events, we raise awareness about housing discrimination and the importance of inclusive, affordable housing for thriving communities.
• Join us for Fair Housing Awareness Day at the Statehouse in Montpelier on April 1 in partnership with Vermont Human Rights Commission and the Fair Housing Month kick-off on April 3 at the Fletcher Free Library in Burlington with special guest Cashauna Hill of The Redress Movement. Find a list of Fair Housing Month activities at FairHousingMonthVT.org.
• Share HeART & Home Art Kits: The HeART & Home art kits help educate communities about Fair Housing and combatting discrimination by inviting participants to explore the importance of home and community. Last year, we distributed more than 1,000 kits statewide. Libraries, housing sites, and community groups can request 2025 Art Kits and find printable prompts from past years at FairHousingMonthVT.org.
• Host an Event: Reach out to Jess Hyman at jhyman@cvoeo.org to learn how you can host a Fair Housing Month event in your community.

CVOEO’s Fair Housing Project is a pillar of support for those affected by housing discrimination. With your help, we can continue this vital work to help Vermont communities thrive and inclusive and ensure that everyone has access to a place to call home.

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Jason Rouse
Director of Philanthropy & Communications
Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity
Office: 802 862 2771 X744
Email: jrouse@cvoeo.org

Jess Hyman
Associate Director, Housing Advocacy Programs
Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO)
Phone: 802 660 3456 X106
Email: jhyman@cvoeo.org

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About Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO)

As a social services organization with 10 distinct yet interconnected programs, CVOEO addresses fundamental issues of economic, social, racial, and environmental justice and works with people to achieve economic independence. Formed in 1965 to carry out the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, CVOEO is a nonprofit organization that relies on support from various sources, including federal, state, and local governments, foundations, corporations, and individuals. With a dedicated and passionate staff of more than 230 employees, CVOEO offers a holistic and client-centered approach to serving individuals, families, and communities and provides vital support to 23,000 Vermonters every year. To learn more about CVOEO, its mission, impact, and programs, visit cvoeo.org.