At a recent meeting with colleagues, in which we were discussing how to engage a broader audience regarding services to unhoused people in our area, one person uttered the words “public safety.” This provoked strong reactions from the others.
In my decades of work with disadvantaged Vermonters, I have seen assistance programs come and go, and funding commitments rise and fall, dependent on the economy, political administrations, and government priorities.
On behalf of everyone at HOPE — staff, constituents, board — a hearty thank you to the fabulous women who once again ran our holiday shop.
Ms. Schmidt’s letter provoked some discussion at HOPE and staff have agreed that next year, our tags with gift suggestions will only be according to age categories. Genders won’t be listed.
