The city is committed to nurturing a strong nonprofit infrastructure. The Community & Economic Development Office actively supports the participation of community- and faith-based organizations in its CDBG program through annual requests for applications and through workshops to help organizations develop eligible and effective proposals. CEDO also distributes information on other grant opportunities; assists in grant application efforts; and assists in grant administration for community-based programs such as the Mental Health Court.

CEDO also runs an AmeriCorps*VISTA program (A*VISTA), which supports the local nonprofit infrastructure. A*VISTA members serve as “capacity builders” in nonprofit agencies and as grassroots organizers in the community. Unfortunately, the city will probably see its A*VISTA program reduced by half next year.

CEDO hosts monthly meetings of the local nonprofit housing developers and actively participates in the monthly meetings of the Chittenden County Continuum of Care to address homelessness; the Partnership for Economic Well-being and the CASH (Creating Assets, Savings and Hope) Coalition; and the Refugee and Immigrant Service Providers Network.

Addressing Obstacles

As identified in the Consolidated Plan, the principal obstacle to meeting underserved needs is insufficient resources. The city will continue to pursue additional federal, state and private resources, but does not expect to overcome the obstacle of shrinking public resources. The city will also continue to work with partners to examine obstacles such as benefits cliffs and to advocate for appropriate policy changes.

Reducing the Number of Poverty-Level Families Living in Burlington

All of the activities funded through the city’s CDBG and HOME programs are ultimately directed at reducing the number of people living in poverty in Burlington. In addition, the city will continue to enforce its Inclusionary Zoning and Livable Wage ordinances and to participate in activities of the CASH Coalition, which include free help with tax preparation and access to the Earned Income Tax Credit and free credit scores and credit counseling.

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