2025 Community Needs Assessment Key Findings and Strategic Response
SEVCA Community Needs Assessment Highlights Ongoing Challenges—and Opportunities—for Southeastern Vermont
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Westminster, VT — July 2026 — Housing affordability, food insecurity, and rising energy costs continue to place significant strain on individuals and families across southeastern Vermont, according to Southeastern Vermont Community Action's (SEVCA) 2025 Community Needs Assessment.
Over the past year, SEVCA engaged 630 residents, community partners, and local leaders across Windham and Windsor Counties through surveys, interviews, and community meetings to better understand emerging needs and barriers to well-being.
The assessment found that while needs remain high, community members also identified opportunities to strengthen services, improve coordination, and make support systems easier to access.
Key findings include:
• Housing, energy assistance, and food security remain among the region's most pressing needs.
• Transportation barriers, geographic isolation, limited digital access, and complex systems continue to make it difficult for individuals and families to connect with services.
• Residents expressed a need for increased outreach and clearer communication about available resources.
• Opportunities exist to strengthen partnerships and improve coordination across programs and organizations.
"Community Action begins with listening," said Joshua Davis, Executive Director of SEVCA. "This assessment reinforces what many in our communities experience every day: challenges are interconnected, and solutions must be as well. The findings will help guide our efforts to strengthen services, partnerships, and systems so that individuals and families have the support they need to thrive."
The Community Needs Assessment will directly inform SEVCA's three-year strategic plan, which is currently being developed by staff and the Board of Directors. The plan will help shape how SEVCA responds to evolving community needs and advances its mission of partnering with individuals and communities to alleviate hardships, create opportunities, and address the root causes of poverty.
In the coming months, SEVCA will release additional information about its updated Mission and Vision statements and the strategic priorities that will guide the organization into the future. For the full recap on the community needs assessment click here.
To request more information about the Community Needs Assessment please contact: Jon Megas-Russell, Development and Communications Director, jmegasrussell@sevca.org, 802-721-0017
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Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA) is a 61-year-old nonprofit serving Windham and Windsor counties by helping families overcome hardship and build stability. From housing and fuel assistance to financial coaching, early childhood education, micro business support, tax prep, home repair, and weatherization. If you’d like to get involved or support our work, we’d love to hear from you. We are here to help create thriving communities and if you or someone you know needs help, reach out – we're here. www.sevca.org hello@sevca.org or 802-722-4575
Southeastern Vermont Community Action is an equal opportunity employer that administers equal opportunity programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Free language access assistance is also available. Send an email to hello@sevca.org or call 802-722-4575 if you are in need of these services.