Essential Goods Program
Essential Goods on a mission to provide community resources needed to relieve poverty
We've awarded over $1.6 Million worth of goods to more than 14,000 low-income Vermonters. Our network of over 30 partner agencies throughout the state enables us to reach more Vermont families in need every year.
Applying for Vouchers
Are you in need of essential goods?
Vouchers for essential goods can be obtained from over 30 partner agencies across the state. Those agencies will help identify your immediate needs and issue vouchers to help meet those needs. Vouchers can be redeemed at any ReSOURCE retail location for essential goods. While we do not provide vouchers to nonprofit organizations, they are eligible for a 25% discount on all purchases.
Our Partner Agencies
Serving across Vermont
Our partners help us to provide $125,000 worth of goods to over 2,000 individuals/families in Chittenden, Lamoille, and Washington Counties, and the greater Vermont area.
Partner Agency List
- Addison Allies Network, Inc
- Addison Community Action/CVOEO
- Age Well
- Agency of Human Services- Field Services Burlington District
- Burlington Community Justice Center
- Burlington Housing Authority (Not accepting outside referrals)
- Capstone
- Chittendent Community Action/CVOEO (Not accepting outside referrals)
- Clarina Howard Nichols Center
- Committee On Temporary Shelter (COTS)
- Essex Community Justice Center
- Fight For Kids
- Good Samaritan Haven
- Howard Center Community Support Program (Not accepting outside referrals)
- Howard Center Developmental Service (Not accepting outside referrals)
- Howard Center School Service Program (Not accepting outside referrals)
- Lamoille Family Center
- Milton Family Community Center
- Mosaic
- Spectrum Youth and Family Services (Not accepting outside referrals)
- Steps to End Domestic Violence
- The Janet S. Munt Family Room
- Theraapeutic Works
- Vermont Cares
- Vermont Catholic Charities
- Vermont Foundation of Recovery
Apply for a Voucher
Vouchers for Essential Goods can be obtained from our listed partner agencies across the state. Those agencies will identify your needs and issue vouchers in the appropriate amounts.
To be matched with an Essential Goods Program Partner Agencies please call 211
Apply to Become a Partner Agency
For interest in joining our program please email essentialgoods@resourcevt.org to learn more about the next application cycle or any availability in become a new partner agency.
We make award decisions each December for the next calendar year and notify partners so our clients can request vouchers.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What are "Essential Goods"?
Essential Goods include most items available at our stores including: furniture, household goods, kitchenware, small and large appliances, even desktop computers.
What items can't be purchased with a voucher?
Vouchers cover the purchase of most items in ReSOURCE stores, but do not include any items purchased by ReSOURCE (light bulbs, local color paint, etc.), goods that are made by ReSOURCE staff/trainees (picnic tables, adirondack chairs, chicken coops, etc.), and laptop computers.
How do I use my voucher?
You’ve got a voucher! Now what? Vouchers can be redeemed at any ReSOURCE store with a valid photo ID. Vouchers cannot be transferred to anyone other than the person to whom they were issued. Vouchers are only valid within ReSOURCE’s fiscal year, so, if you receive your voucher in 2021, you must use your voucher in 2021. Still, you do not have to use your voucher all at once. The balance of the voucher will be recorded following any purchase and remains available until the expiration date or end of the year in which it was issued.
How to Help
Want to help support the Essential Goods Program?
Every donation of either goods or gifts can help support the Essential Goods Program. Most items we sell in our stores are considered “essential” and eligible for purchase with a voucher. When you donate these items, they can go directly to a family in need or their sale can help fund the poverty relief that this program provides. Your gifts can also be directed to benefit this program specifically or ReSOURCE’s poverty relief mission as a whole. Thank you.