Evernorth Connections helps to improve the lives of affordable housing residents and provides capacity-building support to its housing and services partners. The Connections program places residents at the center of our decision making by learning directly about their successes and challenges through conversations, interviews, and surveys. We share the information gathered with housing and social service partners to better tailor our services and advocacy to the distinct needs of each community.
"This is a dream come true to be able to garden at my age and in my health."
"I never really had a place that was mine, mine. my own, where everything I put in it is mine. [...] And you have to learn how to be creative, you learn...you learn that you're safe, that's a big thing. You're finally safe."
"The information and examples were all relatable to situations we are often involved in."
Evernorth’s Community Garden Program allows residents to cultivate their own plots of land, promoting a connection to nature, sustainable practices, and access to fresh, nutritious food. In partnership with the Vermont Garden Network, Connection’s provides nearly 100 residents with everything they need to start and maintain a garden. The program offers cooking demos and nutrition workshops, helping residents build skills and incorporate healthy, sustainable food choices into their lives. By working together in these shared spaces, residents grow their own fresh produce and gain a stronger sense of community and connection with their neighbors.
Evernorth Connection’s invites local artists and residents to co-create art installations that reflect the unique character and stories of their neighborhoods. These installations brighten shared spaces, create dialogue, and deepen connection between residents and their surroundings. Art has the power to transform spaces and inspire communities!
Through neighborhood events, Evernorth Connections facilitates resident celebration, connection, and engagement. We sponsor seasonal celebrations, site-based library openings with the Children’s Literacy Foundation, and community meals where neighbors can share food and conversation. These gatherings provide more than just entertainment—they help residents strengthen the social fabric of their neighborhoods.
Understanding the impact of affordable housing is crucial to driving meaningful change. In collaboration with the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, Champlain Housing Trust, and other local housing nonprofits, Evernorth is participating in a three-year project to administer a cloud-based software called Outcome Tracker. Through this project, Evernorth will collect data on the impact of resident services coordinators across the state with the goal of improving residents’ housing stability and economic security.
Supporting property management staff is a vital part of building strong, resilient communities. Connections organizes free training sessions to equip staff with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
Residents are at the center of our decision-making process. Through resident focus groups, Connections creates opportunities to gather direct feedback on critical aspects of our work. By engaging residents in dialogue, we strengthen the connection between our communities and the homes we help create.
Connections leads research on topics to support local and regional advocacy efforts including analyzing tenant demographics, interviewing and surveying residents and staff, and collecting data on frequency and causes of evictions.
Barriers & Best Practices for Free Food Access in Maine’s Affordable Housing Communities
Supporting Resident Food Security »
Every year Evernorth gathers the demographics of our Vermont tenants using data from the Vermont Housing Finance Agency’s tenant database. We use this information to try to better understand the diverse groups of people who live in our housing. This data helps shape our Connections Program initiatives and informs affordable housing advocacy.
Tenant Demographics »Copyright © 2026 Evernorth.