Rutland Herald Community News - 8/7/25
A highlight of autumn events, including Wheels for Warmth, benefitting the Warmth Support Program administered by CVOEO and all community action agencies across Vermont.
News, Press, & Perspectives
Community Development Block Grants have dwindled, but still help small businesses
Alisha Wescott of Burlington, Vermont, is trying to get her online nail business off the ground. In August, she started selling her own custom kits, which is why she’s spent a lot of time in John Gergely’s office, an advisor at the microbusiness development program at CVOEO.
CVOEO celebrates food shelf, housing programs in Middlebury
The director of Addison Community Action said their new Industrial Avenue office will help them better address community needs.
Middlebury charity, food shelf will celebrate new locations next week
CVOEO, which hosts 11 programs it says help “people meet their basic needs, achieve economic independence, and grow a future in which we all thrive,” is holding an open house at its Addison County office next week.
Join the 'In Their Shoes' walk to raise awareness about homelessness and support community services
In recent years, our country has experienced a significant rise in homelessness, with Vermont experiencing a 300% increase in homelessness over the last five years. The Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO), which includes Franklin & Grand Isle Community Action, Samaritan House and Voices Against Violence, has been actively supporting a growing number of individuals and families. The homelessness crisis has been exacerbated by the shortage of safe and affordable housing and rising inflation.
DOGE Cuts Will Hobble Defenses Against Housing Discrimination
The Trump administration's slash-and-burn campaign against "wokeness" and government spending is coming for the few services that work to curtail discrimination in Vermont's housing market. Late last month, the first swing of the ax struck a grant that funds a program at the CVOEO, which supports renters, homebuyers and landlords on issues related to state and federal fair housing laws.
Personal finance made easy: A look at CVOEO’s free tools, classes, coaching
Money can sometimes be a taboo conversation topic, but a local organization wants to advance Vermonters’ financial education. Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity’s head financial coach, Ilir Hasa, manages the organization’s “Growing Money” program, which offers personal finance classes free of charge.
Burlington to open emergency cold weather shelter amid subzero temperatures
Burlington will open an emergency shelter this President's Day weekend as a widespread winter storm looks to bring dangerously cold conditions to the area. The emergency shelter will be at the Miller Center at 130 Gosse Court and will be open from Monday evening at 5 p.m. to Tuesday at 8 a.m.
New domestic violence shelter opens in St. Albans to ease overflow
Every year, 500 new people use services to help them through incidents of domestic and sexual violence in Franklin and Grand Isle counties. However, shelters are running out of room, so a new space is being opened to hold the overflow.
Tax Day 2025: How to file taxes for free in Vermont
Tax season can be daunting for the most efficient filer, and seemingly impossible for those who know little about the process. Not everyone is required to file taxes, but most Americans must and probably will submit a return.