The Federal shutdown is over, but it may still take time to restart vital programs On November 12th, Congress passed a temporary funding bill, known as a continuing resolution (CR) on to end the federal shutdown, funding some federal programs, including the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through January 30, 2026.
The organization hopes to feed 10,000 families this year, but donations are severely needed. Feeding Champlain Valley, the largest food shelf in Vermont, has launched its Holidays Without Hunger campaign and organizers say demand for service is very high this year.
Recent data from the National Low Income Housing Coalition highlights significant housing costs burdens on Vermonters. These statistics show how housing costs have a greater impact on low-income households, many of which are people in protected classes.
This commentary submitted to VTDigger is by Paul Dragon, Executive Director, CVOEO. Food, fuel and shelter are not luxuries. They are necessities.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
CVOEO, Young Writers Project, A Revolutionary Press, and Burlington City Arts invite the public to a special reception on Thursday, May 29 from 6 to 8pm at Burlington City Hall, 149 Church St., to close out this year’s Fair Housing Month exhibit.
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.