Some of downtown Burlington’s challenges feel intractable, such as the number of unhoused people living outside and the public signs of substance-use disorder. Others, like the pervasiveness of trash and syringes on the streets, are less daunting to tackle. That’s exactly why Kason Hudman, 31, of the Peace & Justice Center launched a group called BTV Clean Up Crew.
The volunteer members meet at the top of Church Street every Thursday at 7:30 a.m. Since May, nearly 100 people have logged more than 400 hours cleaning up the downtown area.
Last week, a multigenerational group of 18 split into two crews that covered hot spots to the west and east of the Marketplace. They were armed with provided trash bags, latex gloves and sturdy bottles for collecting sharp objects.
In the latest episode of “Stuck in Vermont,” Seven Days senior multimedia producer Eva Sollberger followed the eastside crew as it combed alleyways, parking lots and sidewalks. The volunteers moved quickly and cleared a wide variety of litter, including empty cans, food wrappers, cardboard and used needles. The group was upbeat; many of these folks have become regulars and friends.
BTV Clean Up Crew will continue meeting weekly throughout the winter. There is also a monthly Sunday gathering; the next one is October 26 at 11:30 a.m.
Filming date: 10/9/25
This episode of “Stuck in Vermont” was supported by The Vermont Community Foundation.
This article appears in Oct 15-21 2025.
