Vermont has programs that shelter people during the coldest of winter days, but to keep people safe during the hottest days of summer the state’s plan is still a patchwork.
Social service organizations across the Champlain Valley are feeling the crunch as the housing crisis continues. That includes the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity’s Feeding Chittenden and Community Resource Center where they are breaking records with the number of people walking in the door.
On Saturday, June 10, community members are encouraged to learn what it’s like to be homeless in Franklin and Grand Isle counties. “A Walk in Their Shoes” aims to educate the broader community about homelessness by offering an opportunity to see and hear about the daily challenges unhoused neighbors encounter. Starting at 1 p.m., Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity staff will guide participants on a three-mile walking tour of emergency service and food providers in St. Albans.
On Saturday, June 10, community members are encouraged to learn what it’s like to be homeless in Franklin and Grand Isle counties. “A Walk in Their Shoes” aims to educate the community about homelessness by offering an opportunity to see and hear about the daily challenges unhoused neighbors encounter.
A new project presenting the stories of individuals facing homelessness and the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity advocates who help them is traveling to several towns in Franklin County this summer. Produced by Vermont Folklife, the exhibit made its first stop in Burlington’s City Hall Park on Saturday, May 13. ‘In our words, in our community,’ holds space for 15 community members' stories through photographed portraits and audio recordings of interviews. Each person’s story is displayed on a yard sign, with a portrait on one side and a QR code leading to audio recordings of their story on the other.
A federally mandated system works to help the homeless transition into permanent housing without falling through the cracks. Our Katharine Huntley looks at how the Coordinated Entry system is working in Chittenden County. Statistics show 794 people in Chittenden County are homeless or are about to be. That’s 618 households that need stable housing.
Ending homelessness during childhood may help solve adult homelessness moving forward, according to the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity. It’s launched a new program focused on getting families into affordable housing, and helping them stay there.
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.