Hundreds more survivors still in need of
assistance
The Vermont Disaster Relief Fund (VDRF) has allocated over $1.5
million in direct assistance so far to over 100 Vermont
families in their recovery from Irene and the spring floods in
2011, the Fund's Board announced August 1.
"It is nearly impossible to drive anywhere in this state and not
see the impact the 2011 storms have had on Vermonters," Board
Member Chris Graff said. "The generosity of Vermonters continues to
make a difference for so many. However, as we approach the
anniversary of Irene, we still have Vermont families suffering who
are truly in need of assistance. We call on all Vermonters to stay
strong in their commitment, until everyone who suffered loss from
these events has been given the resources they need to move
forward. We are determined not to leave anyone behind."
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimates there
may be as many as 700 more cases of survivors unable to complete
their recovery without additional assistance, requiring as much as
$10 million more in aid. VDRF has raised over $3.5 million to
date through the generosity of Vermonters and
Vermonters-in-heart.
VDRF is responsible for providing financial and resource-based
needs to individuals through in-kind donations, volunteer resources
and fundraising. VDRF funding is available to survivors who need
assistance beyond what Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
or insurance companies can provide. VDRF continues to provide
support for Vermonters to help them get back into safe living
situations after the devastating floods.
Funding from VDRF is intended to help bridge the gap
of unmet needs in the long-term recovery process. The VDRF
Allocations Committee hears cases twice a week from Vermonters with
unmet needs.
Irene survivors have used VDRF funding to purchase replacement
mobile homes, rebuild stick built houses, remediate mold, replace
heating systems, and to meet many other rebuilding needs as the
recovery continues.
One local benefactor of the Fund was a single mother with a
young child living in Woodstock. The Fund provided $10,000 to
repair her home. Before Irene, this mother, a part-time
in-home day care provider, and was fully caught up with monthly
financial obligations. Irene displaced her from her home for months
causing her child to live with his grandparents. The house and
garage sustained significant damage and the land around the house
shifted and is causing ongoing concerns. Work on the property
surrounding the house continues.
For more information, go to www.vermontdisasterrecovery.com
Tagged:
hurricane irene, Reflections
