Vermont Business Magazine Thanks to generous funding from Burlington law firm Paul Frank + Collins, United Way of Northwest Vermont’s Working Bridges program has launched a $10,000 Bridge Fund for Housing to support working Vermonters in finding and keeping housing in the Burlington area.
United Way’s Working Bridges is an innovative program designed to improve job retention, stability and advancement by supporting employees with community resources. Using the workplace to connect with employees directly, Working Bridges resource coordinators help employees navigate life challenges impacting their ability to succeed at work.
Resource coordinators meet with employees, confidentially, at Working Bridges employer sites to help employees access help with essential resources such as transportation, housing, financial resources, childcare, utilities, healthcare needs, and more.
In 2024, Working Bridges supported more than 1,600 employees across northern Vermont. Housing resources topped the list for the types of resource connections employees were seeking, and that trend continues.
Many of the employees served by Working Bridges are on the benefits cliff when it comes to existing financial help for workers. The goal of the Bridge Fund for Housing is to step in when employees are over-income for resources but still face housing instability.
“Paul Frank + Collins came to United Way’s Working Bridges looking for ways to support housing affordability and access for workers. We identified that small-dollar grants can fill gaps to help people maintain housing, find housing, and retain healthy housing,”
said United Way’s Working Bridges Director Connie Beal.
The fund can support expenses such as partial back rent payments, partial security deposits, moving costs, utility assistance, and/or housing-related repair costs. The funding will help employees find and keep housing in the Burlington area and/or employees working for Burlington area employers.
“We know housing instability impedes our local economy, making it difficult for businesses to attract and retain employees. We are proud to partner with United Way’s Working Bridges by establishing the Bridge Fund for Housing to support working Vermonters in finding and keeping housing in Chittenden County,” said Thomas Melloni, attorney at Paul Frank + Collins.
Eligible employees at Working Bridges partner sites in Chittenden County, can apply for the fund through their Working Bridges resource coordinator and receive up to $750 for short-term housing-related expenses. For example, one employee facing an unexpected financial hardship used the funding to help pay rent, allowing them to maintain safe housing for their family.
“The Bridge Fund for Housing helps us support employees with an immediate need, so they have the bandwidth to achieve stability. They then receive ongoing support from United Way Working Bridges resource coordinators for their overall financial security,” Beal said.
About United Way of Northwest Vermont
United Way of Northwest Vermont mobilizes our community to action so all can thrive. A local independent nonprofit proudly serving Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle Counties, we bring local people and resources together to improve lives today and help build a more just tomorrow. From strengthening local resilience to advancing health and financial security, we’re working towards a future where every person in every community can reach their full potential. To learn more, visit www.unitedwaynwvt.org.
7.21.2025. [South Burlington, VT] — United Way of Northwest Vermont
To support vital journalism, access our archives and get unique features like our award-winning profiles, Book of Lists & Business-to-Business Directory, subscribe HERE!
