2023 felt like a very long year. Burlington saw some very difficult situations and divisions, and it was easy to feel hopeless. But there were so many moments when neighbors came together and kept pushing for a community where we all care about each other that we just can’t be hopeless. We were relieved to be able to play a small part. In 2023 we:

• Distributed over $5000 in small grants to individuals and groups
• Partnered with a local homeless healthcare program to fund non-driver IDs so that individuals can enroll in benefits programs, and we worked together to design an outdoor wound care kit that we funded, helped them distribute, and then shared the instructions and materials list with other groups so they could be replicated
• Provided financial support to six grassroots food access groups who are making sure our neighbors are fed
• Raised $2000 to replace a broken hot water heater for a senior neighbor on a fixed income
• Served as the fiscal sponsor for $3600 in sponsorships from a local bank so that money could get to groups that otherwise wouldn’t be able to accept it without their own nonprofit status
• Increased the amount we give out in our individual and group grants

As an all-volunteer group, we do this because we believe that we belong to each other and that it’s up to each one of us to step up and make sure our neighbors know they’re not alone. In April we’ll celebrate our 10th anniversary and it’s astounding to realize we’ve given out over $60,000 in small grants and project funding, and provided fiscal sponsorship for another $28,000. We’ve been able to do this because of hundreds of people putting their faith in our work. We only exist because of the trust and support of our beautiful community.

Thank you for being part of this!