SOS Flyer Empower and Renewal (356KB PDF) – Led by: Robin White & Petra Tuccino-Polukord of SOS VT, please call Robin at 249-3628 for any questions & to RSVP.

(SOS Vermont offers free, confidential short-term support for those affected by tropical storm Irene. Visit them at www.startingoverstrongvermont.org, on FaceBook, or call 855-SOS-VT00 / 855-767-8800 toll-free.)

The focus of Green Up Day is normally on picking up litter, and the LTRC wants to support these efforts and connect volunteers of all ages and abilities with people who are still picking up after Irene. “The amazing infrastructure repair of bridges and roads…provided sort of an illusion that everything was fine in Vermont,” says Sue Graff, chair of the LTRC volunteer committee. Unfortunately, while many people have worked through enormous obstacles, the warm spring weather is highlighting problems that remain – scattered litter and trash, debris piles, sand deposits, and washed out landscapes. Green Up Day is a perfect time to address these problems and mobilize volunteers to assist in Windham County.

“Any and all volunteer support is welcome and appreciated,” adds Graff. Individuals or groups interested in helping with Irene clean-up efforts on May 5 and beyond can sign up through the United Way of Windham County at 802-257-4011 x112 or online at www.unitedwaywindham.org. For individuals willing to take on a leadership role in volunteer projects, there will be a Site Leader orientation held from 5:30-6:30pm on Monday, April 30, in Brattleboro. Contact the United Way office for more information.

Developed by Ric Campman, this is a way for both novice and experienced artists to enter the process of painting at a deep and direct level. The intent is to keep the connection between the eye, the hand and the painting as direct and non-intellectual as possible.

Anyone interested can RSVP to Robin White at 802-249-3628.

YouTube interview

Because of the unprecedented destruction and disruption of people’s lives as a result of Tropical Storm Irene, the Northern New England Chapter of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) will provide free, no strings attached, financial planning to those afflicted.

Call the FPA DISASTER RELIEF LINE at 888-562-8784 for assistance!

VCIL Newsletter website: http://www.vcil.org/about/newsletter

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.

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.

“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.