Local Resources
Business Organizations
The Vermont Barter Network started in 1991 as a community where Vermont businesses can help sustain our local economy. Each member business can buy and sell goods and services to other members, allowing each business to decide how to best utilize their earned barter dollars. All members are required to go through an interview and application process prior to joining to help an ensure a level of trust.
Charitable Organizations
Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS)
The Committee on Temporary Shelter provides shelter, services, and housing for people who are homeless or marginally housed in Vermont. Ed has volunteered in their job program at the Daystation since 2009. This program helps individuals in their job search by offering guidance and providing both material and moral support. His involvement in this program includes teaching computer skills and assisting with the writing of cover letters and resumes.
Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity
The effectiveness of Habitat for Humanity's ability to provide affordable housing is widely recognized throughout the country and internationally. The Green Mountain chapter is also a leader in sustainable building as for more than 10 years, they have been building 5-star energy rated houses and are in the process of building the first house in New England to meet the Passive House Institute's passive solar standards. Ed has volunteered and encouraged his coworkers to help in the construction of these homes.
Humane Society of Chittenden County
The Humane Society of Chittenden County looks after the welfare of animals in Chittenden County. While dogs and cats make up the majority of animals that come through their doors, they have housed numerous species including a lobster. While not a strict no-kill shelter, they only euthanize for medical reasons, and when space permits they bring in animals scheduled for euthanization from other shelters. Beyond finding new homes for animals, they are involved in assisting in animal abuse investigations, reducing overpopulation, keeping animals in their existing homes, and education. Starting in 2000, Ed volunteered here for five years. He served this organization in a variety of capacities: including dog walking, dog training, fostering animals, and assisting at events.
As their mission states says they help "women and girls recognize their potential and explore, pursue and excel in work that leads to their economic independence." Their Step Up programs are some of the programs that they are most known for. These programs teach women the necessary skills to find employment in the construction and police trades. Pais Architects has worked on the Modular Home Program on a Pro Bono basis.
Community Organizations
The Front Porch Forum is an online network that works to brings neighborhoods closer together. It started in one neighborhood of Burlington and has spread to cover Chittenden County, parts of Grand Isle County, and Starksboro. It has been remarkably effective in allowing communications between neighbors. For example, in my neighborhood of Burlington in March of 2009 out of approximately 190 households, there are 164 members. The high percentage of users and the civil discourse has made this forum particularly effective in relaying information and getting advice from neighbors.
Local Guides
Burlington Vermont Architecture Map
Do you ever walk around a city and wonder who designed a building? If you do so in Burlington, this map is for you. Just go to the location on the map and click on the marker, and this map will identify the architect and when the building was built.