In freezing conditions like this, the best bet is to stay inside. But that can be a problem for people without permanent housing. That’s why community organizations across Vermont are ramping up operations to try to save lives.
Subzero temperatures are expected Friday and Saturday in much of Vermont and New York, leaving many outdoor events cancelled. Vermont officials are urging people to be prepared and to stay indoors if needed. But one community may be especially vulnerable: the unhoused.
This commentary is by Paul Dragon, executive director of the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity; Sue Minter, executive director of Capstone; Jenna O’Farrell, executive director of Northeast Kingdom Community Action; and with the support of Southeastern Vermont Community Action.
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To draw attention to people experiencing homelessness, 350 flags are staked in the cold ground of Taylor Park. That’s one flag for every person in Franklin County — including 76 children — who was without a home in 2022.
On Monday, Building Bright Futures presented its annual State of Vermont's Children Report to the legislature. The report used data from 2022 to outline four policy goals for Vermont, all of which focus on ways to improve early childhood.
The Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity’s Fair Housing Project and the Vermont Tenants Hotline receive a lot of questions related to assistance animals from renters and also from housing and service providers around the state. I’m writing to share some information about fair housing rights for people with disabilities, provide resources for anyone experiencing discrimination in their housing, and advocate for a shift in how transitional housing providers accommodate both assistance animals and pets.
There will now be more support for the homeless in Northwest Vermont, as the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity has announced that they are taking over operations of Samaritan House and Tim’s House, both are emergency shelter organizations.
The Samaritan House is now being managed by the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity
The Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity will assume operations of Samaritan House and Tim’s House this summer. As a program of CVOEO, the emergency shelter will be sustained as a community asset and critical resource for people in need.