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A Vermont Harm Reduction & HIV/AIDS Service Organization. “Doin’ it Safer” for more than 35 years. Supporting people living with HIV and people who use drugs.
We are here for you. Help is free and anonymous.
We will meet you with Compassion, Acceptance and Respect. We will Encourage you and Support your goals and needs.
Get HelpOur Mission
Vermont CARES provides life-saving harm reduction services, education, and resources to Vermonters affected by HIV, Hepatitis C and substance use by increasing access to care, reducing social stigmas, and building relationships.
Our Vision
Celebrate every small change.
Accept people where they are at.
Respect individual choice and welcome diversity.
Envision compassionate communities.
Stand up for the rights of those we serve.
Programs & Services
Explore the wide range of impactful programs and services offered by Vermont CARES, dedicated to improving lives and fostering community well-being.
We help you get and stay connected to the medical, mental health, housing, and vocational services you need.
The quickest, easiest way to request services and supplies throughout Vermont. Privately chat with us anonymously.
Our Impact
As the state’s leading agency in Harm Reduction and HIV services, we are grateful for your ongoing support. Our impact is felt throughout the state and it is very likely that you know someone who has accessed and/or currently needs our services.
HIV and Care Services
More than 160 Vermonters living with HIV accessed case management to help them stabilize their medical care, mental health, and housing.
HIV Prevention Safer Sex Services
Over 6000 condoms were distributed and over 500 PrEP and HIV basic education pamphlets were shared with community members
Mobile Harm Reduction Services
More than 250 people living in 29 different towns were served, mostly in rural areas of Vermont with our mobile services across more than 500 visits.
Education & Trainings
Find Training Topics
- Harm Reduction & Syringe Service Programs
- Opioid Overdose Response & Administering Narcan
- HIV Basics
- Need something a bit more tailored to your work/environment/group? Contact us.
Request a Training
Are you seeking training for your group, agency, or organization? Please fill out our form completely and we will respond within a week.
Help us do more
Thousands of Vermonters are counting on us to be there for them everyday. Whether it is a gift of financial support, the gift of time or your expertise it can make a difference in someones life.
Vermont CARES
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which includes syringe-injected hormones, is medically necessary for many transgender people to be themselves. Vermont CARES is proud to share about an expansion of our services that provides supplies for folks on injectable HRT. For some, the cost of transition-related care is a financial hardship, forcing them to go outside the health care system for the supplies they need to live freely and openly. We hope this expansion of our services helps transgender people in Vermont access lifesaving, gender-affirming care.
We offer syringes for subcutaneous and intramuscular HRT and can support folks with safe disposal of syringes. Ask about our compact (and colorful!) sharps containers!
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Once monthly, we'll highlight a Wishlist item and share a bit about how these supplies support the communities we work with. These items are available to purchase on our Amazon Wishlist for convenient delivery directly to our offices. If you prefer to donate these items after purchasing from another retailer, please reach out at melissa@vtcares.org to coordinate drop off.
Access to water is recognized by the United Nations as a human right – fundamental to everyone’s health, dignity and prosperity. Individuals experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity often struggle to find clean drinking water sources and must often access water in public space. These spaces are increasingly closed, limited, or policed. Public drinking fountains may be inaccessible or insufficient in number and businesses often decline requests for water or charge for it. Financial constraints can make it difficult for people to access clean drinking water consistently. Providing bottled water is a way to reduce the barriers and harm people in our community experience.
Donating an item from our wishlist is a great way to have a direct and positive impact on the wellbeing of our participants and some of the most-vulnerable members of our communities. Thank you for your support!
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please don’t use amazon that is siding with the hateful destruction going on at the white house and republican congress. Ask for money, or find another source, please!!
Our Syringe Service Program (SSP) is a free and anonymous, low barrier service offering many kinds of supplies; designed by and for people who use drugs.
Our mobile SSP allows us to meet at the location of your choice where you'll receive the same non-judgemental services and safer use supplies that are offered at our physical locations.
Where do we go? We provide mobile services in these counties: Orleans, Essex, Caledonia, Orange, Washington, Lamoille, Addison, Rutland, Chittenden, Franklin, & Grand Isle.
Learn more at: vtcares.org/programs-services
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✨ LESS THAN ONE MONTH UNTIL "ResistDANCE and RevoluSHINE: Celebrating 30 Years of the Winter is a Drag Ball" on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at Higher Ground in South Burlington presented by Mike Oxready. ✨
💰 SAVE WHEN YOU BUY A FOUR-PACK OF TICKETS! (LIMITED AVAILABILITY)
🔗 Tickets available at: highergroundmusic.com/events/winter-is-a-drag-ball/
Do current events have you clutching your pearls? Join us for ResistDANCE and RevoluSHINE, honoring three decades of fierce drag, amazing performances, and a community united in love, resistance, joy, and unrelenting sparkle. 30th anniversaries are traditionally celebrated with pearls and diamonds, but we welcome all sparkle, glitter, and glam! Dress to impress and channel your inner royalty.
There will be live entertainment in both rooms, plenty of time for dancing, and a costume contest.
This event benefits Vermont CARES and we could not be more honored by the community support we have received over the years. We can't wait to see you!
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Vermont CARES is seeking a visionary leader with a deep commitment to harm reduction, racial and social justice, and community empowerment to serve as the next Executive Director.
They will provide leadership, vision, and strategic direction for the agency and oversee all operations, programs, financials, and technical systems. They will support fund development, grant writing, management and compliance, and represent the organization on national, state, city, and community levels.
Now in its 36th year, Vermont CARES began as a grassroots HIV/AIDS service provider and has evolved to be one of the largest harm reduction services organizations in Vermont, serving thousands of individuals each year. Our organization provides harm reduction services, education and resources to Vermonters affected by HIV, Hep C and substance use by increasing access to care, reducing social stigmas, and building relationships. Our services are designed to reduce opioid overdose death, prevent injection-related disease transmission, and improve the lives of people who use drugs.
View the full job description at: vtcares.org/join-our-team
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Mike Oxready presents "ResistDANCE and RevoluSHINE: Celebrating 30 Years of the Winter is a Drag Ball" on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at Higher Ground in South Burlington! ✨ Get your tickets at: highergroundmusic.com/events/winter-is-a-drag-ball/
Do current events have you clutching your pearls? Join us for ResistDANCE and RevoluSHINE, honoring three decades of fierce drag, amazing performances, and a community united in love, resistance, joy, and unrelenting sparkle. 30th anniversaries are traditionally celebrated with pearls and diamonds, but we welcome all sparkle, glitter, and glam! Dress to impress and channel your inner royalty.
There will be live entertainment in both rooms, plenty of time for dancing, and a costume contest.
This event benefits Vermont CARES and we could not be more honored by the community support we have received over the years. We can't wait to see you!
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Interested in volunteering with Vermont CARES? We host a monthly Volunteer Night on the second Tuesday of the month from 5:30 - 8:00 pm at our Burlington office.
Our next event will be on Tuesday, January 14th at our Burlington office; we will be assembling Safer Use Kits. Please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer01@vtcares.org if you have not volunteered with us before. (note: we received feedback that some emails to this address were bouncing back and believe we have fixed the issue!)
Can’t make it this month? Don’t worry, we’ll have these events every month! These volunteer evenings are a great way to get to know your local harm reduction organization better and learn about the work we do! Your support will go a long way to ensuring our neighbors have the tools they need to stay safe and healthy. We ask all volunteers to be respectful of our participants and mission. No prior experience is required to attend. Thank you for your support!
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I'll be in the area this summer. I would love to volunteer!
Our compassionate and knowledgeable staff at Vermont CARES are critical to the success of our services and the wellbeing of our clients. Today, we’re highlighting a member of our staff so you can get to know them and our organization a little better!
Phoenix (they/them/ask) has been working off and on throughout their personal and professional life in client care and helping those around them in need. Being able to help others is something that has been near and dear to their heart for the majority of their life. Phoenix stepped out of that role for a number of years to work in the legal field, and is so happy to be back helping members of our society in need.
Phoenix lives with their three cats (Miss Bits, Skonk, and Button) and a cockatiel (Gonzo). In their spare time, Phoenix loves to work on crafts, hang with friends and family, listen to music, kayak, travel, and teach classes on enthusiastic consent, among other topics. Phoenix is always on the go, much to the chagrin of their animal babies, but they wouldn’t change a thing!
Reader note: Skonk's name is not misspelled!
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Did you know? According to the National Diaper Bank Network, 1 in 2 U.S families cannot afford enough diapers to keep their infant or child clean, dry, and healthy. Factors such as inflation, the pandemic, and supply chain issues have made diapers more expensive relative to wages. Having diapers available for our participants with young children is incredibly important.
Each Wednesday we're highlighting a Wishlist item and sharing a little bit about how these supplies support the communities we work with. These items are available to purchase on our Amazon Wishlist for convenient delivery directly to our offices. If you prefer to donate these items after purchasing from another retailer, please reach out at melissa@vtcares.org to coordinate drop off.
Donating an item from our wishlist is a great way to have a direct and positive impact on the wellbeing of our participants and some of the most-vulnerable members of our communities. Thank you for your support!
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We are extremely grateful for the generosity of Scherdiva Salon and their clients! #harmreductionisloveHey Scherdiva Fans!
I am excited to officially announce our 2024 fundraiser for Vermont Vermont CARES. Our Fundraiser will run from 12/1/24 World AIDS Day to 12/23/24. If you would like to know more about Vermont Cares and what they provide to our State and community please visit www.vtcares.org
Last year we were very successful in raising $1000 selling our resin snowflake ornaments, resin coasters and resin votive candle holders. This year we have crafted up Laser engraved slate coasters and laser engraved wooden coasters with the hope of surpassing our previous years goal. We currently have 8 preorders so we are off to a good start!!!
All of these crafted items would make great gifts for the holidays while supporting an amazing organization and a local Vermont based business.
Laser Engraved Slate Coasters $25 for a set of 4
Custom Laser Engraved Slate Coasters $35 for a set of 4
Laser Engraved Wooden Coasters $20 for a set of 4
Custom Laser Engraved Wooden Coasters $25 for a set of 4
Proceeds from the sales will be donated minus a $5.00 fee for the cost of materials.
The custom option for the coasters can consist of:
Your company logo
Monogram
A photo you provide. **The photo needs to be in digital format. Not all photos can be manipulated to work as a laser burn file.
Although we do have the option to process these transactions via credit card we would prefer a cash donations to keep things simple and separate.
I have attached some sample coasters below. These are just come examples of what have already been ordered but the possibilities are endless. We will also have a selection of premade coasters on hand to purchase as well. I can also do large orders as well. If you have further questions please feel free to reach out via email to scherdiva@gmail.com or you can call or text 802-876-7849
Please like and share this post! Thank you and Happy Holidays!
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