Homeless People in Burlington Prepare for Cold Winter
With shelters and motel rooms already full, people living rough have few ways to keep warm when temperatures drop.
News, Press, & Perspectives
New shelter to open in Burlington
Last fall, with the state’s motel housing program contracting and cold weather looming, the department swiftly converted the former police headquarters into housing for up to seven families. It hired an out-of-state contractor to manage the shelter through the winter, and, in May, the nonprofit Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity took over.
Report says Vermont homeless numbers a ‘humanitarian crisis’
Advocates for the homeless say Vermont is in the midst of a “humanitarian crisis” when it comes to the number of unhoused people statewide. The 2025 Vermont State of Homelessness Report, released on Wednesday, shows record-breaking numbers of homeless residents and a system overwhelmed by demand.
2025 Vermont State of Homelessness Report reveals scope of homelessness
Vermont is in the midst of a humanitarian crisis, according to a new statewide report released today. The report shows record-breaking numbers of unsheltered homeless residents and a homelessness response system overwhelmed by demand and undercut by funding cuts and affordable housing shortages.
From the desk of Paul Dragon: Homelessness Crisis in Vermont
"Despite the current narrative in this country - homelessness isn’t a personal failure, even as we acknowledge the important role of personal responsibility. Homelessness is the consequence of systems that aren’t meeting people’s basic needs." At a press conference held on July 30, 2025 concerning the 2025 Point in Time Count Report and the most recent Coordinated Entry data, CVOEO's Executive Director, Paul Dragon, was among those who spoke.
2025 Vermont State of Homelessness Report Reveals Alarming Scope of Homelessness Across Vermont
Vermont is in the midst of a humanitarian crisis, according to a new statewide report released today by the Housing and Homelessness Alliance of Vermont, Chittenden County Homeless Alliance, and the Vermont Balance of State Continuum of Care. The report shows record-breaking numbers of unsheltered homeless residents and a homelessness response system overwhelmed by demand.
VT Organizations Call on Governor for Action as Emergency Shelter Crisis Deepens
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.
Burlington homeless shelter celebrates upgrades
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.
Renovated emergency shelter reopens in Burlington
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.
Survivor shares how Voices Against Violence helped her heal; 'In Their Shoes' event to raise awareness
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.