Windham County VT Status Information

Posted on September 4, 2011 by windhamstatus

Welcome – if you’re not familiar with this site, click here for an introduction!  As of January 18, we are revising the site to focus on long term recovery from Irene instead of real-time updates.  We expect to maintain the reference information here and add information as we get it indefinitely.

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Tax Resources for People Affected by Tropical Storm Irene

Posted on February 18, 2012 by windhamstatus

As tax filing season approaches, Vermonters impacted by Tropical Storm Irene should be aware that they may be eligible for tax relief.  US Representative Peter Welch has a web page with information for Vermonters who suffered losses from the storm and may qualify for special assistance, including tax relief for damages to homes and businesses: http://www.welch.house.gov/irene.

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SOS: An Evening of Story Telling and Community Dinner

Posted on February 14, 2012 by windhamstatus

From SOS: Starting Over Strong (S.O.S.) Vermont, a program which serves the communities most impacted by Tropical Storm Irene through promoting resiliency and supporting recovery, is hosting a community dinner and evening of story-telling in partnership with The Vermont Folk Life Center.

Join S.O.S. Vermont Friday evening, February 17, 2012, at the Community Christian Church in Athens, VT, from 6 to 8pm. The Vermont Folk Life Center will facilitate a Story Circle where anyone can join in and share their experience of Tropical Storm Irene. Kids will have their own special activity tables with river rock painting, story time and coloring. A complimentary dinner will be also served. This event is sponsored by The Community Christian Church, 26 Brookline Road, Athens, VT. For more information about this event call 802-365-9799.

The Vermont Folk Life Center believes that healing lies as much in the act of listening as it does in the act of telling one’s story. Each Story Circle gathers community members with different perspectives to share. The underlying belief is that we are all experts in our own experience and the best way to understand an event like Tropical Storm Irene is to gather the experts. Those gathered may hail from the same community, the same neighborhood, but they will each have a different point of view to share. By being part of VT Folk Life Center’s Story Circle, a permanent historical audio record is created for the community. For more information about The VT Folk Life Center go to: www.vermontfolklifecenter.org.

S.O.S. Vermont and The Vermont Folk Life Center will also be hosting a Story Circle event in Wilmington, Vermont on Friday, March 16th. This free event will be at Twin Valley High Library from 7 to 9pm. Share your Tropical Storm Irene story with others. Refreshments and kids activities will be provided as well. Come be a part of a special evening where people together bear witness to the experience of others. For more information call 802-579-7647.

Posters: SOS Poster Athens 20120217-Letter (485KB PDF) and SOS Poster Athens 20120217-Legal (510KB PDF)

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New Case Managers and Areas

Posted on February 13, 2012 by windhamstatus

There are two new case managers working with people affected by Irene, and they now have their own main areas.  They will be working with people who are already getting support from the Southeastern Vermont Irene Long Term Recovery Committee (LTRC) and can also help anyone new who needs assistance.

Elizabeth McEwen, 802-376-6578, will work with people in southwestern Windham County: Whitingham, Wilmington, Dover, Halifax, Marlboro, Wardsboro, and western Newfane.

Tyler Maas, 802-376-6528, will work with people in southeastern Windham County: Battleboro, Guilford, Vernon, Dummerston, Putney, Townshend, Brookline, and eastern Newfane.

Mary Ann Wolf, 800-464-9951 x 128, continues to work with people in Westminster and Athens.

Neighborhood Connections is working with people in Stratton and Jamaica.

The Precision Valley LTRC is working with the northernmost towns in Windham County – Londonderry, Windham, Grafton, and Rockingham.

 

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SOS: Resources for Recovery for Irene Survivors

Posted on February 8, 2012 by windhamstatus

From SOS: Starting Over Strong (S.O.S.) Vermont teams now serving the communities most impacted by Tropical Storm Irene continue to collaborate with state and town officials, as well as with other flood-recovery service providers, to bring assistance to Vermonters affected by the 2011 flooding. Some of the same town officials, police, and firefighters who acted as first responders back in August are continuing to contribute to recovery efforts by connecting S.O.S. Vermont workers with families in need of support. Long Term Recovery Groups, case managers, and S.O.S. Vermont teams are working together to assess the continuing needs of the community as a whole.

Many Vermont flood victims have received help and are moving on, but there are still individuals and families struggling, and in need of assistance. Whether its crisis counseling support, like that being provided by S.O.S. Vermont, the cleanup efforts of family and neighbors, or financial assistance from a disaster relief organization, the recovery process continues for many. While the strength of Vermonters who have been able to move on is worth recognizing, it is also important to acknowledge the needs and continuing struggle of those who have not yet recovered.

Even with all of the help and services being provided to survivors of the flood there is still much work to be done to help people get back on their feet. There are numerous resources that can help people transition into their “new life” after the flood. For example:

  • Vermont Society of CPA’s has formed a task force to offer free or reduced fee tax preparation and consulting services to survivors of the 2011 flooding. Contact Carolyn Stevens, CPA, at cstevens@trans-video.net with any questions.
  • Seasonal Fuel Assistance – www.mybenefits.vt.us.gov
  • Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA) also offers a housing assistance program in which eligible participants are awarded a voucher to assist with rent. Visit www.vsha.org for more information on this and a number of other helpful programs.
  • Long Term Recovery Groups –Local groups are meeting to coordinate long term recovery efforts around the state.
  • FEMA Helpline: 1-800-621-FEMA (TTY 1-800-462-7585) or download: http://www.fema.gov/pdf/assistance/process/help_after_disaster_english.pdf for a guide in assisting individuals with requirements, documentation, and processes
  • Community Actions Agencies – Go to this website for services regarding job training, affordable housing options, and support: http://humanservices.vermont.gov/community-partners/cp-community-action

More resources and educational materials to assist those affected by Tropical Storm Irene can be found at S.O.S. Vermont’s website, www.startingoverstrongvermont.org, or through their toll-free number at 1-855-767-8800.

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Experienced Contracting Volunteers Needed

Posted on February 6, 2012 by windhamstatus

As Windham County homeowners affected by Tropical Storm Irene continue to assess and repair damage to their properties, the Southeastern Vermont Irene Long-Term Recovery Committee (LTRC) is seeking volunteers with construction and contracting experience to help affected homeowners.  Specifically, volunteers are needed to help with physical assessments and cost estimating on damaged homes.

“As we meet with families recovering from the flood, we’re finding that the amount of damage and the specific problems associated with flooding are well beyond most people’s experience with home improvement projects,” said LTRC member and Windham & Windsor Housing Trust’s Director of Homeownership, Cathy Semans.  “These homeowners need help identifying what exactly needs to be done to bring their home to pre-flood condition, how much it should cost, and how to identify a reputable contractor to complete the repairs,” Semans continued.

To meet this need, the Long-Term Recovery Committee is actively seeking volunteers to help homeowners through the process of obtaining estimates, hiring contractors, and supervising the repairs.  Volunteers are not being asked to complete the work.  People with construction and contracting experience who are interested in volunteering should contact Cathy Semans at 802-246-2109.

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SEVCA still has Furniture, Clothing, and Housewares

Posted on January 22, 2012 by windhamstatus

SEVCA – Irene Warehouse Flyer (621KB PDF) – flyer about available goods from SEVCA.

Since October, SEVCA has had a warehouse location to receive, house, and distribute donations of furniture, clothing (including winter clothes), linens, and household goods for families and individuals who have been affected by Tropical Storm Irene. The site has been distributing donated items (although is no longer accepting them), on Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. until noon, as well as 4:45 to 6:00 p.m.; and on Thursday afternoons from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m. Other times may be possible by special arrangement, if needed.

People in need of these household items should call in advance to make arrangements and receive directions to the site. To schedule a time, or for more information, please contact SEVCA at (802) 722-4575 or toll-free at (800) 464-9951.

Time is limited, the warehouse will close in mid-March!

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Homeownership Center Services

Posted on January 22, 2012 by windhamstatus

HT HOC Services Info (82KB PDF) – handout with information about Homeownership Center services from the Housing Trusts.

Vermont has five “Homeownership Centers” (HOCs) which provide, statewide, housing counseling services (pre- and post-purchase counseling, homebuyer education, delinquency and foreclosure intervention), as well as operate Rehabilitation Loan Funds for critical home repairs, providing assistance to homeowners with construction specifications and construction oversight. The Homeownership Centers provide critical support to Vermont homeowners, as well as educating new homebuyers. These centers are now working with victims of Tropical Storm Irene, many of whom have been referred by Long Term Recovery Committees, human service agencies, state agencies, municipalities, and lenders. Counselors are certified and experienced, and all counseling services are available to the public free of charge.

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Recovery Committee Screening Survey

Posted on January 22, 2012 by windhamstatus

The SEVTILTRC Survey (35KB Word Document) is a one-page tool the Southeastern Vermont Irene Long-Term Recovery Committee (LTRC) uses to collect information about people who have disaster-related recovery needs.

The LTRC is already working with most people affected by Irene.  However, if there is someone who the LTRC has not contacted yet and/or didn’t register with FEMA,  getting this info to the LTRC will start the process of getting them help.  Please return the survey to the LTRC by e-mail.

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Community Recovery Meeting in Marlboro January 25

Posted on January 22, 2012 by windhamstatus

Community Recovery Partnership meetings are taking place around the state, bringing interagency teams to hear from communities as they begin thinking about long-range recovery from the devastation of tropical storm Irene.  One will take place at Ragle Hall in the Serkin Center for the Performing Arts, Marlboro College, South Road, Marlboro, on January 25 from 3:00-6:00pm.  The meeting is intended for local leaders, flood responders, and community members – please RSVP online if you plan to attend, or contact Chris Cochran by e-mail or at 802.828.3047 with any questions.

Noelle MacKay, Commissioner of Economic, Housing and Community Development for the State of Vermont, is coordinating an interagency team to help communities as they begin thinking about long-range recovery efforts. To support these local efforts and target limited resources, the state has launched the Community Recovery Partnership, starting with a series of conversations to reach out and listen, identify short and long term needs and develop a framework to help communities emerge from this disaster stronger and more resilient.

Community Recovery Partnership meetings are taking place around the state, bringing interagency teams to hear from communities as they begin thinking about long-range recovery from the devastation of tropical storm Irene. The wealth of local experience captured in these conversations will be shared online at http://www.vtstrong.vermont.gov.

The state partnership team will summarize the results of these community conversations to help in local recovery efforts and to assist the state in understanding communities’ long-term recovery needs. The state will then help match needs with existing services in the short term, while creating a recovery plan for the longer term that will more effectively support local recovery and rebuilding efforts.

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Long Term Recovery Committee Information Coming!

Posted on January 18, 2012 by windhamstatus

This site has been very quiet since the FEMA assistance deadline passed in November.  However, while most people affected by Irene are well on the road to recovery, that road will be very long for some people. In and around Windham County, the Southeastern Vermont Irene Long Term Recovery Committee (SEVTILTRC, or locally, the LTRC for short) is overseeing recovery efforts, including volunteer coordination, funds distribution, and the provision of case management and referrals for those in need.

So!  This site will begin posting more information about recovery information again for the LTRC. Expect a flurry of changes over the next few days as we make sure information is up to date, then slower updates as new information comes out.

If you are still recovering from Irene and need help or information, contact the LTRC at sevt.irene.recovery@gmail.com.

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