"CREATING CARING COMMUNITIES"

JUMP, the Joint Urban Ministry Project, has been responding to the challenge of effectively assisting low-income families and individuals in need throughout Chittenden County and Vermont for 30 years. Founded by five Burlington faith communities in 1988 to address the then growing epidemic of poverty, support for JUMP has grown to include broad interfaith support from 28 area faith communities, key funding from hundreds of individuals, and vital sponsorship and dollars from both businesses and foundations.  While the original mission included the hope that we’d be able to solve the circumstances that keep people in poverty, it’s clear that the need is here to stay and grows yearly. 

 

JUMP manages a Drop-In Center in donated space at the First Congregational Church of Burlington welcoming anyone in need.  Our staff and volunteer team provide hospitality (food, conversation, books for children, etc.), much needed practical resources and informed referrals. Families and individuals receive vouchers for food, laundry, utilities, household goods, transportation, and healthcare every three months, and an emergency fund is available for crisis situations.  Between visits for vouchers, we often see people come in for a cup of coffee, a nutritious snack, and someone to talk to.  Poverty is just as hard on the spirit as it is the body. 

Click here to view "NEW Celebration JUMP Video"

WHAT WE DO 

JUMP operates a Drop-In Center for emergency assistance at the First Congregational Church of Burlington, Tuesday through Friday mornings, offering:

  • Hospitality and spiritual care - at JUMP this means a cup of coffee, nutritious snacks, friendly, compassionate staff and volunteers who listen and offer specific support, problem-solve and informed referrals to other resources as needed.
  • Financial assistance through vouchers used at local businesses for food, gasoline, bus passes, laundromat, identification, utility payments, prescription co-pays, and more.
  • Much needed toiletries, diapers, household supplies and non-perishable, nutritious food items.
Support groups and other programming in collaboration with partner organizations. 
Click here for complete: Client Assistance Menu  
WHO WE HELP

We welcome you at JUMP no matter who you are or what your life story has been.

Many of our clients are:

  • Very low income
  • Homeless or nearly homeless
  • Living with physical and/or mental disability      
  • Unemployed or underemployed
  • Formerly incarcerated
  • In recovery from substance abuse

Service decisions at JUMP are made without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic or civil union status, national origin, sexual orientation, place of birth, citizenship, mental or physical ability.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP
Participate in JUMP event’s: 
  • RUN for JUMP
  • Crop Walk
Organize a JUMP Fundraising event
Volunteer in our Drop-In
Serve on a Board or Committee
Organize one of the following DRIVES: