OFFICE OF MAYOR MIRO WEINBERGER
149 Church Street | Burlington, VT 05401 | (802) 865-7272
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Samantha Sheehan
(802) 734-0617
November 23, 2021
Mayor Weinberger and Partners Announce New Community Resource Center
Community Resource Center will provide food, clothing, hygiene products, housing & emergency housing resources, and connection to safe recovery resources to neighbors
Burlington, VT – Today, Mayor Miro Weinberger and local partners announced the opening of the Community Resource Center (CRC) in Downtown Burlington. Located at the VFW Post 782 at 176 South Winooski Avenue, the CRC will be open every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.. The Center will serve as a low-barrier daytime warming shelter providing food, coffee, and hygiene products and connecting guests with housing, emergency housing resources, and safe recovery resources.
“Covid has seriously exacerbated the already vulnerable gaps in our regional housing and social safety nets,” said Mayor Miro Weinberger. “Making sure there is a safe, warm place for any neighbor to receive the support they need, especially in the winter months, has been an absolute priority of the City team.”
The City of Burlington collaborated with experienced, local service providers to provide this critical resource, including the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO), Feeding Chittenden, and Community Health Centers of Burlington. The VFW Post 782 offered their space for a second winter. Joining Mayor Weinberger at Tuesday’s press conference:
- Anna Thomson, CVOEO Community Resource Center Housing Advocate/Project Coordinator
- Rob Meehan, Feeding Chittenden Director
- Kerry Goulette, Director of Quality and Homeless Health Program at Community Health Centers of Burlington
- Kevin Fleming, VFW Post 782 Commander
- Kara Alnasrawi, City of Burlington Economic Recovery Director
- Brian Pine, CEDO Director
CVOEO Executive Director Paul Dragon said, “The Community Resource Center provides critical resources and services for people experiencing homelessness including those living on the street, in encampments, and in temporary shelter. CVOEO will provide essential and immediate services while helping people build their future through a wide range of CVOEO programs and services.”
Kerry Coulette, Director of Quality and Homeless and Health Program at Community Health Centers of Burlington said, “We’re so grateful to have this resource right next door to the Community Health Centers’ Safe Harbor Health Center. The low-barrier model of accessibility empowers our vulnerable community members experiencing homelessness to have a safe place to be during the cold winter months during the day. We look forward to being a healthcare resource to our CVOEO neighbors and the folks who will be staying warm right next door!”
Kevin Fleming, Commander of VFW Post 782 said, "As a community partner, Burlington VFW Post 782 is delighted to be affiliated with the city officials and staff operating this year's Community Resource Center (CRC). The VFW Post is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Burlington and thus will provide safe access and a daytime respite to a local, previously underserved public. The VFW, within its capacity, is duty bound to contribute to the CRC's success this season. We wish the CRC team the best of luck!"
Kara Alnasrawi, Burlington’s Director of Economic Recovery said, “The Community Resource Center plays an important role in our economic recovery by adding an extra layer of support for those hit by the impacts of the pandemic. The City was pleased to be able to utilize our ARPA funds to support this important center.”
CEDO Director Brian Pine added, “Every day, people awake in our community and build their lives despite the challenges of living without shelter or a regular address. Life on the street is as varied and complex as life anywhere, but having a safe, warm place to be on cold winter days can save lives and build a better tomorrow. No matter what their daily routine, every person deserves dignity and the CRC offers that for those who have no other place to go.”
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