BRATTLEBORO — The Southeastern Vermont Irene Long Term Recovery Committee (SEVT LTRC), one of nine disaster recovery committees around the state, serves to identify and help those with unmet needs in the wake of last year's devastating Tropical Storm Irene.
We assist anyone in Windham County who needs help, including those who did not register with FEMA.
In the weeks and months following the storm, 1,500 Windham County households were listed by FEMA as damaged. One year later, the SEVT LTRC is still working on more than 200 open cases.
These households are dealing with newly discovered problems like mold, compromised foundations, and contaminated wells; several are in the process of rebuilding.
Some folks still have not returned to their homes, others are waiting for FEMA buyout agreements, and many are experiencing emotional symptoms of trauma and stress.
We would like to acknowledge the incredible generosity of those who have donated money, volunteer hours, tools and materials, and knowledge and skills to help with our efforts.
To date, over $282,000 has been donated to the Southeastern Vermont Disaster Recovery Fund and over $103,000 has been distributed to assist individuals.
Hundreds of volunteers from within Vermont and out of state have pitched in and provided thousands of hours of assistance to those affected.
We also thank our community neighbors, including Gail Nunziata, managing director of Latchis Arts.
To commemorate the one-year anniversary of the storm, which flooded the basement of the Latchis Theatre, Latchis Arts provided a free showing of Singin' in the Rain on Aug. 28 and collected donations for the SEVT LTRC.
The house was packed, and more than $1,100 was donated to help with the ongoing needs of people affected by the storm. Thanks to everyone who dropped checks, currency, and change into the donation box.
The recovery from Tropical Storm Irene continues, and there are several ways people can help.
• If you or someone you know has been affected by Irene, contact Disaster Recovery Service at 800-464-9951 or mwolf@sevca.org.
• For assistance with post-storm emotional challenges, contact Starting over Strong at 855-767-8800 or startingoverstrongvermont.org.
• To volunteer or to donate money, tools, or building materials, contact 802-257-4011 or unitedwaywindham.org.
Thank you, again, to everyone who has already contributed to help Windham County recover from the storm. Together, we make Vermont strong.