RSVP, the United Way of Addison County and the AARP Foundation will be offering two free tax assistance programs to help community members file their taxes. These programs are designed to help residents save money by avoiding tax preparation fees.
 
RSVP will have AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers who are trained and certified by the IRS prepare state and federal income tax returns and answer tax questions.  The program is for low to moderate income residents of Addison County with special attention to those ages 50 and older. They will offer tax preparation at three convenient locations: the Bixby Memorial Library in Vergennes, the Bristol Rescue Squad and Middlebury Regional Emergency & Medical Services (formerly the Middlebury Volunteer Ambulance Association).  Appointments will be available beginning February 20th.
 
United Way Worldwide has partnered with MyFreeTaxes, H&R Block, Goodwill, the National Disability Institute, and the Walmart Foundation to offer a facilitated self-assistance program.  The program allows filers with an income of less than $64,000 (in calendar year 2016) to file their federal and state returns online anytime, anywhere for free. Filers needing extra assistance navigating the website or with basic tax law questions may also make an appointment with an IRS-certified volunteer tax assistant. Appointments will be available at the United Way of Addison County in Middlebury beginning January 23rd.  An active email address and a basic ability to navigate the Internet are required to successfully use this free, self-service method of online tax preparation. For more information, please visit: unitedway.org/myfreetaxes.
To determine which program is best for you or to schedule an appointment, please call the RSVP/United Way of Addison County seasonal hotline at 398-0004
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A new community-based effort has sprung up in Highgate to help residents gain access to basic necessities, for example people who struggle with addiction, or who were recently homeless and need furnishings for a new apartment.  The group, Helping Others, was started on Facebook by Crystal Hemingway and has grown to thousands of members.  The site facilitates swaps and drop-offs.  

At ACCT, we strive to support resident-based efforts to build bonds with their neighbors.  Sometimes these efforts are successful and run for years, while others peter out.  It's great to catch an example of a bottom-up effort that has taken off, and might spark some ideas for resident engagement in our own neck of the woods.        

We did it!  Thanks to you, our donors, ACCT has raised over $25,000 to support our families' housing for another year.  

Through community fundraising, ACCT is able to:

• House families who can't find an affordable place to live--formerly homeless families moving into their first apartment, people moving to the area for job opportunities, and homebuyers who need help with a downpayment on a home;
• Invest in new housing opportunities, like putting a downpayment on a land acquisition for future affordable housing;
• Dedicate more resources to maintainence: fewer potholes and better curb appeal in your communities, and sustainable, quality housing for our residents;
• Improve our software, reducing time spent on back-office operations and more time helping people get into and maintain their housing.

​And so much more.  In 2016, dozens of families found housing because ACCT is here to provide housing that working and vulnerable Vermonters can afford--housing that is energy efficient, safe and well maintained, and located near town centers and public transportation.  

At McKnight Lane alone, we have housed 14 low-income households in beautiful new affordable homes; 8 of which were homeless or imminently homeless, 3 more of which were seniors in previously unsustainable housing, and the remaining 3 households had needs that the previous housing did not meet and are now satisfied in the new homes at McKnight Lane.  

​Your support makes this possible.  As we brave these sub-zero temperatures and gear up for sleet and freezing rain, dozens more families have housing that will keep them warm and dry, without breaking the bank.  Thank you!