From the Desk of Paul Dragon, 3/6/26
At CVOEO, we believe in collaboration and transparency. That’s why every week Executive Director Paul Dragon shares a roundup of updates and initiatives to keep everyone, from our 300+ team members to the broader community we serve, informed and connected. Here’s what’s new this week!
Weekly Update:
ORECI and Climate Action Community Engagement
CVOEO’s Office of Racial Equity and Community Inclusion (ORECI), in partnership with the Vermont Climate Action Office, facilitated focus group discussions on February 28 on the implementation of climate resilient strategies with five language communities including French, Chinese, Swahili, and Dari/Pashto speakers.
Sessions were held both in community members’ homes and at the CVOEO central office.
Facilitators reported that approximately forty community members participated in thoughtful and highly engaged discussions about climate change and its impacts on low-income and marginalized communities. Participants raised important questions and reflections, and facilitators ensured that everyone had a clear understanding of the material and an opportunity to contribute their perspectives.
This work helps ensure that climate policy and resilience planning reflect the voices and lived experiences of the communities most affected.
Bridges Recovery Shelter Open House
CVOEO will host an open house for the new Bridges Recovery Shelter on Monday, March 9th at 11 am and all are invited. The event will bring together community partners, state leaders, and supporters to celebrate the opening of a space dedicated to supporting individuals in recovery.
Bridges provides a recovery-oriented shelter environment designed to support stability, dignity, and healing. The program reflects CVOEO’s continued commitment to expanding pathways out of homelessness while supporting recovery and long-term wellbeing.
Thank you to the many CVOEO team members and partners whose work made this program possible and who continue to support its success.
Fair Housing Awareness Day – April 1
The CVOEO Fair Housing team and partners will host Fair Housing Awareness Day at the Vermont Statehouse on April 1.
The Card Room will be open throughout the day, and Revolutionary Press will again join us for hands-on letterpress printing of bookmarks featuring a quote from Rev. Jesse Jackson:
“Leadership cannot just go along to get along… Leadership must face the moral challenge of our day.”
A joint House and Senate resolution and a Governor’s proclamation recognizing Fair Housing Day are also in development.
Thank you to the CVOEO Fair Housing Team for their leadership in advancing housing justice in Vermont.
Tom Donahue Elected Mayor of Rutland
Tom Donahue, Executive Director of BROC Community Action, one of Vermont’s five Community Action agencies, has been elected Mayor of Rutland with endorsement from the Governor.
Tom has been a strong partner and friend to CVOEO and to the broader Community Action network. We congratulate him and wish him all the best as he begins this new role in public service.
https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2026-03-03/tom-donahue-wins-rutlands-write-in-mayoral-race