Op-Ed: What happens when Vermont’s rural communities are left behind?
This commentary submitted to VTDigger is by Paul Dragon, Executive Director, CVOEO. Food, fuel and shelter are not luxuries. They are necessities.
News, Press, & Perspectives
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.
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.
Fair Housing Exhibit Reception with Young Writers Project & A Revolutionary Press
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.
2025 Fair Housing Month – Rolling the Credits
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.
Feeding Champlain Valley uses Good Food Truck to help locals with food insecurity
Feeding Champlain Valley is working to maintain its presence in Burlington despite its primary location being under construction. In addition to opening a location at the O'Brien Community Center in Winooski, the organization is also operating a weekly free food truck with a rotating menu.
Tracking changes to federal funds in Vermont under the Trump administration
President Donald Trump's administration has moved to reshape federal government spending, including rescinding money that had been promised to groups in Vermont. Vermont Public is tracking these cuts and their impacts in the table below based on reporting from our journalists. Decisions have been coming rapidly, and the status of funds can change through administrative actions or court challenges. To account for this fluctuation, each line of the table includes the date of the latest information.
More Than 100 Vermont Organizations Urge Governor and Legislators to “Speak Up and Take Action” to Defend Democracy
A diverse, statewide group of 119 Vermont businesses, nonprofits, and faith communities published an open letter to Governor Scott and state lawmakers today, urging them to use the power of elected office to support and protect Vermonters from harmful and unconstitutional federal actions. The letter comes in response to unprecedented attacks on constitutional rights, state and local government autonomy, and the nation’s civic infrastructure.