BRATTLEBORO — Six months after Tropical Storm Irene caused statewide destruction, some of the people hardest hit by the flooding are still struggling and the Southeastern Vermont Irene Long Term Recovery Committee (LTRC) is recruiting volunteers to assist in the work of addressing unmet needs.
“While Irene is becoming a distant memory for some, many of our neighbors are still dealing with its impact on a day-to-day basis,” said Sadie Fischesser, Agency of Human Services Field Director for the Brattleboro and Bennington Districts, and a member of the recovery committee.
To date, the LTRC has helped more than 300 people, but it continues to work with 850 individuals and families who are dealing with flood-related problems.
“People are working through complicated disaster-related issues like household mold, furnace problems, yard clean-up, and lost jobs,” Fischesser said. “There's help available, but recovering is really a marathon for a lot of folks.”
The Southeastern Vermont LTRC is one of 11 in the state coordinating assistance for residents affected by the disaster. It was created in the aftermath of the storm and is now identifying new areas where it needs people to help, particularly in assessing construction needs, coordinating volunteer projects, and participating in subcommittees.
Anyone who can use help should call 2-1-1 and anyone interested in volunteering to be on the committee or helping with its work can send an e-mail to sevt.irene.recovery@gmail.com.
“Every one of us has something we can do to help our neighbors,” said Rev. Sandy Daly, chair of the Brattleboro Area Interfaith Clergy Association and a member of the recovery committee. “They don't have to be big things. We've identified most of the needs, now we can use more volunteer power to help people who are still enduring troubles from Irene.”
She also noted that recovery will continue well into 2013, and six months is unfortunately still early in the disaster recovery timeline.
The Southeastern Vermont Irene Long-Term Recovery Committee works to identify and address human service needs related to Tropical Storm Irene recovery around Windham County. This includes assessing the needs of those affected by Irene; working with families and individuals to ensure those needs are met; recruiting volunteers and coordinating volunteer efforts; and distributing funds raised for long-term recovery.
The committee includes representatives from local nonprofit organizations, state agencies, and the interfaith community. For more information about this committee, visit http://windhamstatus.org or contact Glenn Herrin, Public Information Officer, at 802-254-1060.