The Vermont Community Development Program at the Agency of Commerce and Community Development awarded an $800,000 grant to the City of Barre and sub-grantee CVCAC on June 18 to purchase and redevelop a downtown property into a community campus to house CVCAC’s services.

The announcement was made in front of the P&S Furniture Store, future home of CVCAC’s program offices, training classrooms, and food shelf. Lieutenant Governor Brian Dubie presented the award to CVCAC Executive Director Hal Cohen, highlighting the project’s economic potential. “It's good for the City of Barre – it’s an investment that leverages public and private money, and it will support an organization that is doing critical work.”

Hal Cohen, together with Board President Carol O'Neill and Barre Mayor Thom Lauzon, accepted the award noting that economic conditions have put tremendous pressure on the working poor. “The need for our services has grown exponentially the past few years. With a new centrally located community campus, we can help more Vermonters get the assistance they need. This project brings jobs downtown, makes more services available to low-income Vermonters, and consolidates multiple offices into one energy-efficient building. It’s a win-win-win for us and for the community.”