Fourteen years after she opened her Mexican restaurant on lower Church Street in Burlington, Tree Bertram sold El Gato Cantina's Essex Junction restaurant and food truck business to employee Javier Zirko on July 1. She helped Zirko write his business plan, and he worked with the CVOEO to secure funding.
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.
Vermont is among 20 states that filed a lawsuit Monday challenging the Trump administration’s decision to restrict the Head Start program based on immigration status, claiming it violates federal law.
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.
A homeless shelter in Burlington is celebrating some upgrades. The Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity and Champlain Housing Trust on Thursday showed off renovations to the Champlain Place emergency shelter.
After a year of renovations and program development, the Champlain Place Emergency Shelter opened its doors again on May 22. ?Champlain Place sits on Shelburne Road and is the third shelter project that the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity, CVOEO, and the Champlain Housing Trust have worked on together.? This partnership saw updates to rooms and the building, while also providing more programming opportunities. These building renovations include new plumbing and heating systems, flooring and repairs, and an outdoor courtyard for residents.
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.
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.
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.
Learn about your rights and responsibilities as a renter at an upcoming workshop series from CVOEO. ? ?Starting May 6, each workshop has a different focus and will be located at Franklin Grand Isle Community Action at 5 Lemnah Drive, St. Albans. Walk-ins are welcome.