From the Desk of Paul Dragon, 2/20/26

Weekly Update:

Black History Month Spotlight
This month, we recognize Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, a Black American scientist who played a leading role in developing one of the first COVID-19 vaccines that helped save millions of lives worldwide. As a viral immunologist, she helped design the vaccine at record speed during one of the most uncertain moments in modern history.

Her work was not only scientific — it was lifesaving. Beyond the lab, she became a visible symbol of representation in science. For countless young Black children, especially girls, seeing her leadership at the forefront of global health expanded what felt possible. Her example reminds us how expertise, dedication, and representation strengthen communities.

Upcoming Event: Bridges Recovery Shelter Open House
Please join us for a Community Gathering and Press Event to celebrate Chittenden County’s first recovery shelter: our Bridges recovery shelter in Burlington! We’ll begin with a brief press program followed by refreshments and conversation.

• When: Monday, March 9, 11:00 AM
• Where: Bridges Shelter, 184 Pearl St., Burlington, VT 05401

Limited parking is available at 184 Pearl St., with additional parking at the Burlington Marketplace garage.

CVOEO thanks the Howard Center for their partnership as we work together to house our community.

By the Numbers – ROMA Update
Thank you to CVOEO’s ROMA (Results-Oriented Management and Accountability) group — Travis Poulin, Jess Hyman, Jenn Fink, Rachel Goldstein, Kristy Stark, and Stephanie Davison — for their ongoing review of CSBG data. Below are some featured data points:

• In FY25, the Weatherization program improved energy efficiency and/or reduced the energy burden for 439 households — an 85% increase from FY24.
• The Financial Futures Program (FFP) added two regional coaches in FY25, resulting in a 135% increase in financial coaching and counseling services compared to FY24.
• Since the start of FY26 (October 1, 2025), FFP coaches have already worked with 62 individuals in Addison County and 91 individuals in Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. In all FY25, those totals were 33 and 83, respectively. This growth is due in part to a partnership with Vermont Tenants and outreach related to the Preferred Renter’s Certificate.

Legislative Update – H.594
H.594, which would establish the Temporary Emergency Housing and Accountability Program and the Return Home Program for FY27–FY28, continues to evolve rapidly.

The House Committee on Human Services has been reviewing the bill. Vermont Community Action agencies testified, and this bill evolved considerably following that testimony. Last week, the Agency of Human Services testified that it will not support the current version. It remains unclear how this will affect the committee’s progress. Discussions are scheduled to continue this upcoming week. Below is a link to all the testimony including CVOEO’s Jess Graff’s testimony this week on Coordinated Entry.

Learn more: https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/streaming/house-human-services

Advocacy in Action – 3SquaresVT Awareness Day
CVOEO was represented at the Vermont State House during 3SquaresVT Awareness Day. Emmet Moseley, Feeding Champlain Valley’s Addison Food Hub Supervisor, testified before the Senate Agriculture Committee in support of funding for the Vermont Foodbank, including the Vermonters Feeding Vermonters local purchasing program.

As Emmet shared: “Food pantries are no longer only occasional or emergency support. Increasingly, they are a regular strategy for Vermonters to meet their basic needs in the face of rising costs for housing, food, healthcare, and utilities… Once you understand the role that hundreds of community organizations across the state play in the lives of the estimated 70,000 Vermonters who visit us each month, you see how critical it is that we provide fresh, healthy, and wherever possible, local food.”

In 2025, Feeding Champlain Valley spent close to $100,000 on local produce, meat, and dairy products for clients.