WESTMINSTER — Local, regional, and statewide partners have given Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA) funding to provide critical services to local residents who need help to alleviate the negative effects of COVID-19 and achieve or re-establish financial security, whether or not they were previously eligible for SEVCA's services.
According to a news release, grants from the Vermont Community Foundation, Couch Foundation, Vermont Affordable Housing Coalition, and Danforth Charitable Fund will enable SEVCA to provide services to an expanded number of households seeking emergency relief and recovery.
SEVCA also anticipates receiving additional funding to help people experiencing COVID-19's impacts to navigate the resources available to them to stabilize their lives.
Although the agency's offices are closed and many staff are working from home to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, most services are still provided remotely, by phone, email, or internet; by appointment; and/or by mailing or delivery of documents.
Executive Director Steve Geller said that, due to the additional COVID-19 relief funding and relaxed eligibility thresholds in some programs, many more households are now eligible to receive services. through SEVCA.
“So, even if you thought you weren't eligible for any of these services, this is the time to set aside those assumptions and contact us to find out for sure,” he said.
SEVCA will now be able to serve a wider range of local residents with a diverse array of services, such as navigating relief and recovery resources, 3SquaresVT (food stamps) application assistance, unemployment and health insurance access, fuel and utility assistance, eviction and foreclosure prevention, housing case management, and landlord mediation.
The agency also offers financial management counseling and support; job readiness training and assistance; small business support; weatherization and heating repair and replacement; and many other available services, connections, and referrals to other area and state-wide providers.
Those interested in getting help or finding out more should contact SEVCA at 800-464-9951 for information or an appointment.
SEVCA also continues to provide all services in a different format in accordance with Gov. Phil Scott's “Stay Home, Stay Safe” orders.
Currently, no weatherization or home repair work can be done, yet the agency is arranging for emergency heating system repairs and replacements and continually accepts applications for the other services.
Its three Good Buy Thrift Stores, including one in Bellows Falls, are closed temporarily, but people in emergency situations can request and obtain vouchers for free items from SEVCA's Family Services staff.
SEVCA's economic development program now has available enrollment for ongoing Financial Fitness and Ready for Work online training. Small business counseling is offered via phone, and trained staff are available to work with anyone interested in planning their financial security.