Vermont Public Radio

REACHING OUT
Helping each other through the winter and the challenging economy


It's getting harder for many Vermonters to make ends meet. As your source for news and information in the region, VPR is working to connect the community with resources and services that can help.


» What is "Reaching Out" all about?
» How are you helping? What can others do to help?
» Agencies and Resources

 

What is "Reaching Out" all about?

We want to help VPR listeners help each other during the holidays, during the economic crisis, and especially during these trying winter months. We've published these resources and started an online discussion so you can share your ideas and needs. What else can we do? We'd love to hear your suggestions and your thoughts on "Reaching Out", send us an email here or post your comment below.



Homeless in Vermont

Few of us know what it's like to be homeless. In today's world, the people who are homeless may be mothers, fathers ... working people. VPR's Lynne McCrea takes us into the world of Meghann Cline in this special two-part series. Click here to explore the series "Homeless in Vermont" »


VPR Commentary Series on Reaching Out
from VPR News

Visit the archive to read the Commentaries "Warm Clothing Drive", "Comfort Zone", and more »


Volunteer Advocate
by Leora Dowling

As part of a station-wide effort to consider some of the ways in which we help each other through hard times, commentator Leora Dowling describes how becoming a volunteer cancer advocate helped in her own recovery.

Read/Listen to this commentary »


 

How can we all help?

Please take a moment to tell us how you and your neighbors are coming together in your community to make a difference in these difficult times. Tell us how you're helping, any agencies or resources you know that are making a difference, and where there is a strong need for assistance from the community.

 

Agencies, Resources, and more

These agencies work throughout Vermont to provide critical services like shelter, food and heating assistance.

Animal Welfare and Shelter
Families and individuals who become homeless often depend on their local animal shelter to take care of their pets. A contribution to your local shelter is the perfect gift for the animal lover on your list. For a list of animal shelters in Vermont, click here:
http://www.netpets.org

Community Action Agencies
Community Action Agencies can help with child care subsidies, heating assistance, home weatherization, emergency services and more. To find the Community Action Agency nearest you, click here:
humanservices.vermont.gov

Community Shelters for Adults
www.rtmdesigns.net/vermont211/

Community Shelters for Families
www.rtmdesigns.net/vermont211/

Consumer Credit Counseling Service
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Vermont and New Hampshire. Are you anxious about paying your bills, living paycheck to paycheck, or overwhelmed by credit card debt. CCCS offers free budget, debt and housing counseling.
www.cccsnh-vt.org

Military Families
The Vermont Air National Guard’s Family Readiness Program offers resources for famlies here:
http://www.vt.ang.af.mil.
Support Our Troops accepts donations to assist military families: http://www.supportourtroops.org/vermont/

The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army provides meals and emergency services to those in need, in addition to operating thrift stores. For information or to volunteer, click here.
www.salvationarmyusa.org

Shelters for at-risk and run-away youth
www.rtmdesigns.net/vermont211/

The United Way
The United Way is an umbrella organization that provides funding to non-profit organizations in your community. The United Way also helps connect volunteers with agencies that can use your talents. For a list of United Way offices in Vermont, click here: You’ll find many ways to volunteer, donate and advocate for your neighbors.
www.liveunited.org

Vermont 2-1-1
Vermont 2-1-1 is a statewide resource for people who need help finding help. Are you facing difficult times and do not know where to turn? Dialing 2-1-1 is your first step. To learn more about 2-1-1, search the database of services, or volunteer to take calls, visit their website.
www.vermont211.org

The Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger
The Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger provides communities with the tools to create and sustain local nutrition programs that feed hungry children. To learn about programs in your community and how you can help, click here:
www.vtnohunger.org

Vermont Vermont Associates for Training and Development
A statewide corporation whose mission is to provide training and employment services to low income Vermonters.
www.vermontassociates.org

The Vermont Foodbank
The Vermont Foodbank distributes food to 270 shelters, soup kitchens food shelves throughout the state. Click here to find your local food shelf or make a contribution.
www.vtfoodbank.org

The VNA of Chittenden and Grand Isle Counties
Information on our End-of-Life Care services, the hospice choir, The Noyana Singers, and the Madison-Deane Initiative (MDI) an education outreach program of our End-of-Life Care services. MDI has produced a video on the history of the modern hospice movement titled Pioneers of Hospice, and a Palliative Care Guide which lists community resources for palliative care.
www.vnacares.org

Vermont Food Stamp program
Food stamps are a federal entitlement program, so that everyone who meets the eligibility criteria is guaranteed a benefit. It's important to use this assistance that may prevent the need for accessing emergency aid like food shelves, or that can complement the food from those other sources.
www.vermontfoodhelp.com

Vermont Network against Domestic and Sexual Violence
Click here for statewide hotline numbers and to find a shelter in your community.
www.vtnetwork.org

Vermont Refugee Resettlement Center
The Vermont Refugee Resettlement Center helps refugees settle in Vermont.
www.vrrp.org

Voices for Vermont’s Children
Voices for Vermont’s Children promotes public policy on behalf of the state’s children. Learn more about issues that impact children and families.
www.voicesforvtkids.org

VPR relies on the generous spirit of our volunteers for a lot of help through the year - thank you!

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