Community Resources
Livable Community Resources and Information
- Community Services and Assistance
- Need a Ride? Burlington Transportation Options
- Documents and Reports
Community Services and Assistance
Senior HelpLine
800-642-5119 or 865-0360
For help and information on a variety of senior services in the Champlain Valley this is the first place to call. Information on caregivers, housing, transportation, healthy aging programs, case management, meal sites, nutrition, Meals on Wheels, and more is available here. In addition, they can provide information on the assistance programs listed below and help with program applications.
Vermont 211
For statewide information and referral on health and human services dial 211.
Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity
For information on economic assistance programs including 3SquaresVT (formerly Food Stamps), the WARMTH program which provides help with winter heating costs, and the Crisis Fuel Assistance program, which can help pay for heating in the winter if a disconnection is imminent or your bulk fuel supply is about to run out. You can also find information about weatherization programs for low income Vermonters.
Green Mountain Care Family of Health Care Programs
For information on the state's family of health care and prescription drug programs including Catamount Health, VHAP, Medicaid, and VPharm.
Seasonal Fuel Assistance Program
This program helps eligible Vermonters pay for a portion of their home heating bills.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program
Provides information and assistance with questions about Medicare including Medicare Part D. Or call 800-642-5119 to talk with an expert.
Tax-Aide
Provides free, volunteer-run tax assistance and preparation for taxpayers with low and moderate incomes, with special attention given to people 60 and older.
Vermont Associates for Training and Development
Provides training and employment services for low income, older workers.
Vermont Campaign for Health Care Security Education Fund
For one-on-one assistance enrolling in state health care programs including Catamount Health, VHAP and Medicaid.
Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living
For information about state aging programs and links to statewide lists of housing providers, nutrition programs, a Directory of Caregivers, information on nursing homes and assisted living facilities, mental health services and more.
Vermont Department of Public Service Consumer Division
For assistance resolving conflicts with your utilities including questions about your bill, disconnect rules, or complaints about service.
Vermont Long Term Care Ombudsman
Assists residents of nursing homes and residential care homes and their families and advocates on their behalf.
Vermont Office of Health Care Ombudsman
For assistance solving problems with your health care or health insurance company.
Need a Ride? Burlington Transportation Options
Transportation Links: Bus Schedules, Transportation Programs, Guides, Taxis
CCTA Bus Schedule
People age 60 and over and Medicare card holders ride for a discounted $.60/one-way trip. All CCTA buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and two wheelchair tie-down spaces. If you need to use the wheelchair lift to ride the bus, the driver will assist you. Many buses can also be lowered to make it easier to enter and exit. All buses are also equipped with bike racks and 10 bike lockers, managed by Local Motion, are available at Union Station in Burlington.
Special Services Transportation Agency
SSTA provides door-to-door service for seniors or people with disabilities who are not able to use the bus or a taxi. It is best to schedule your ride by 4:00 p.m. the day before you need it. Rides are available Monday-Friday 5:45 a.m. - 10:20 p.m.; Saturday 6:15 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. and Sunday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Drivers will help you get from your home and into the vehicle. Fees vary from $2 for ADA rides to free depending on eligibility for assistance. Call 878-1527 to schedule or for information.
Champlain Valley Agency on Aging
CVAA staff will assist with finding rides, direct you to service providers, and help with applications for financial assistance if needed.
CarShare Vermont
Car sharing gives you the freedom and independence of a car, without the cost of owning one. By joining CarShare Vermont you have access to seven fuel efficient cars located throughout Burlington that you can use whenever you want for as long as you want. You pay based on how much you drive. Reservations are taken on-line or over the phone 24 hours a day.
Driver Safety Program
Local classes are offered to help people 50 and older maintain and improve their driving skills. An on-line course is also available.
Ohavi Zedek Transportation Resource Guide
Comprehensive guide to transportation services in Chittenden County including local, volunteer and non-profit networks available to help you get around.
Local Motion Trail Finder
A guide with maps and details about walking, biking, and other trails in Chittenden, Addison, and Grand Isle Counties.
Taxi Cabs
Anywhere Taxi
802 658-5131
Benways
802 862-1010
Benways offers a Senior VIP Pass Program for residents of Burlington and South Burlington age 62 and over. Program participants can get $1 off rides within these two communities. To get a pass, call Benways.
Chittenden Taxi Inc
802 862-6446
Friendly Fare Taxi
802 310-8822
Green Cab Vermont
802 655-4222
New England Taxi
802 598-7254
Quik Cab
802 658-2299
Solo Taxi
802 238-7959
Yellow Checker Taxi Service
802 862-3300
Documents and Reports
AARP Documents and Reports
A Great City for Older Adults: An Action Plan for Burlington, May 2007
Research findings and recommendations for making Burlington a livable city
A Great City for Older Adults: AARP Survey on the Strengths and Challenges of Growing Old in Burlington, February, 2007
Report on public opinion survey of Burlington residents
Growing Older in a Livable City, December, 2006
A report on focused conversations with Burlington residents
"Burlington Citizen Study Group on Housing, Community Engagement and Mobility", December 2006
AARP Testimony on Burlington Transportation Plan, September 11, 2007
Elder Economic Security Standard, 2009
AARP Mayoral Election Voter Guide, February, 2009
The Road Ahead: AARP Survey on Transportation in Vermont, March, 2009
Municipal and Related Documents and Reports
City Council Ad Hoc Committee on Senior Centers Report to City Council - December 5, 2007
2007 Burlington Transportation Plan (draft)
Mayor Bob Kiss' State of the City address, April 6, 2009
Housing and the Needs of Vermont's Aging Population VHFA, September 2007

