BRATTLEBORO — Windham County human service organizations gathered last week to assess the impact of Tropical Storm Irene's flooding on county residents and determine next steps for responding to human needs.
Representatives from Vermont's Agency of Human Services, local towns, and human service organizations began formulating a plan, which included collecting and distributing local donations throughout the regions of Windham County hit hardest by the Aug. 28 disaster.
“We encourage everyone to give whatever they can to the many organizations helping our state in the wake of Sunday's disaster,” said United Way of Windham County's Executive Director Carmen Derby. “Many people have called and identified that they want to make a gift specifically for the Windham County community. United Way of Windham County has an established long-term disaster relief fund and 100 percent of donations to this fund will go directly to assisting residents throughout the county.”
To make a financial donation to United Way of Windham County's Long-term Disaster Relief fund, visit www.unitedwaywindham.org and designate “long-term disaster relief” or call 802-257-4011.
“We are currently assessing what Red Cross, FEMA, and other emergency assistance will cover and on what timeline,” Derby said. “Our goal in disbursing the funds we raise will be to fill in any gaps not covered by insurance or other assistance. These funds will support our neighbors in meeting their basic needs and returning their lives to normal.”
Windham County human service agencies have extensive experience working together in the wake of disaster. A similar group to those who gathered Tuesday – comprised of representatives from housing and human service agencies – met several times in response to the Brooks House fire in April.
“The Brooks House effort taught us a lot about how to most effectively work together in supporting our neighbors in times of loss. We're prepared to pick up where we left off to support the many Windham County families who were impacted by Hurricane Irene's flooding.”
However, Derby pointed out that this disaster is on a much larger scale, which makes for some significant logistical challenges. Derby noted that while donations of time and supplies are critical, monetary donations are the most versatile in meeting the needs of Windham County residents affected by the flooding.
“There is a significant cash need, especially to help our lower-income neighbors to purchase replacement food, cleaning supplies, and other basic household items,” said Derby.
United Way of Windham County is also preparing to coordinate longer-term volunteer efforts, especially when larger organizations, like the Red Cross, wrap-up their flooding-related efforts in the coming weeks.