It’s around this time of year when I usually don my costume and play Santa for the Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation's Polar Express on Burlington's Waterfront. I thoroughly enjoyed this “tough” assignment, greeting train loads of children and parents, offering each a little bell and sometimes a robust hug from Santa. It’s exhausting, yet inspiring seeing families enjoy the holidays.

Gathering by Zoom with the 130 staff at CHT is also inspiring; I admire the great work this team does every day. You can see some of us above. And if you want to join us at one of Vermont’s Best Places to Work, check out our career page. We’re hiring!

As part of our efforts to provide affordable housing for people experiencing homelessness, CHT purchased its seventh hotel in early December. More needs to be done (stay tuned for our eighth hotel soon) and it’s going to take every community doing its part. You can read more about the Building Homes Together Campaign below.

This season is also a time for giving, and I hope you’ll consider CHT in your year-end donations. For anyone who signs up to give any amount monthly, North Country Federal Credit Union will make a $50 donation to support our work – please take advantage of this generosity!

It’s also important to remember that these are stressful times for many. Being jolly is not always easy. The stress of work, Covid-19, and the holidays can lead to sadness and despair. If this happens to you or a loved one, we encourage you to reach out for support - help is available.

Champlain Housing Trust, along with Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission, and Evernorth are spearheading Building Homes Together 2.0 to make housing in Chittenden County more equitable and affordable.

With the support of more than 125 local leaders, Building Homes Together 2.0 aims to create 5,000 new homes, with 1,250 permanently affordable, over the next five years.

Learn More >>

We'll be getting together over Zoom again this year for our Annual Meeting. We hope you'll join us to conduct Champlain Housing Trust business and celebrate the people that make this organization great.

Since we won't be able to gather in person for dinner, each attendee will receive an $18 Visa gift card. Details to sign-up for the gift card will be shared at the event. For now, please check out the agenda and register to attend!