This page contains information regarding the July 2023 flooding.
General Flood Resources
- The State of Vermont is maintaining a continuously updated webpage – https://www.vermont.gov/flood
- UVM Extension Disaster & Flood Recovery Resources: Resources for recovery from the recent catastrophic flood event as well as other natural disasters here.
- Vermont July Flooding Resource List: This is a “crowd-sourced” list of resources to address short- and long-term needs due to rainfall and flooding, including information about FEMA and other relief, emergency shelters, food assistance, safety protocols, and county- and town-based assistance efforts. Go here.
- Severe Storm Survey and Economic Injury Survey: The VT Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) has created this survey as a way to better understand the economic impact of the July 2023 severe weather and floods that led to the Federal Disaster Declaration for 9 Vermont counties. ACCD is aware of the many surveys being conducted, including through Vermont 2-1-1, but many of these survey and data collection tools have been used for disaster declarations and identifying physical damage to businesses across the state. You can find the survey here: Severe Storm Recovery and Economic Injury
Getting Help
- Emergencies: Dial 9-1-1
- General Immediate Needs : Dial 2-1-1
- Report Property Damage: Fill out this form https://vermont211.org/resident-form, or, if you can’t access the 211 website, call 866-652-4636 or 802-652-4636 and leave a voicemail. Don’t wait to report damages! The more Vermonters that report damage to their property, the better the state will be able to estimate the cost of recovery.
- Emergency Shelter: Call 2-1-1 or you can locate shelter options by zip code by visiting the www.redcross.org/local/me-nh-vt/get-help.html or by texting SHELTER and your zip code (for example, “SHELTER 01234”) to 4FEMA (43362). For Spanish text REFUGIO and your zip code. Standard text message rates apply. You can also download the FEMA Mobile App to find open shelters.
- General Assistance Housing Program (Hotel or Motel) for Catastrophic Need: Call 1-800-775-0506
- Mental Health Supports: Call 9-8-8
- Vermont Department of Mental Health Flood Resources: A disaster event such as this historic flooding is unexpected and often brings out strong emotions. People can call or text the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline’s toll-free number (1–800–985–5990) and receive immediate counseling. Find more information from the Department of Mental Health here.
- A VT Floods Emotional Support Group will meet online over the coming week. Info can be found here.
- Support for disabled individuals: Visit disabilities, or access and functional needs
- If you need food assistance, download this flyer from Hunger Free Vermont. It gives flood-related information about 3SquaresVT and WIC.
FEMA Assistance
Filing and following up on FEMA claims can be very complicated. There are a number of ways to get help with this process:
- FEMA Individual Assistance support contact: 1-800-621-3362 or www.disasterassistance.gov/
- The HUB Woodstock Community Trust offers head with FEMA forms to residents of Barnard, Bridgewater, Killington, Plymouth, Pomfret, Reading, or Woodstock. Ways to get in touch with The HUB are:
- 1. Fill out an application online at https://apply.thehubneighbors.org/form
- 2. Call 802-457-7214
- 3. Email apply@thehubneighbors.org
- 4. Pick up a paper application outside the Ottauquechee Health Foundation office at Simmons House at 30 Pleasant Street, Woodstock, VT 05091
- FEMA Informational brochure – download
- How to Appeal Your Determination Letter: If you receive a letter from FEMA that states you are ineligible for assistance, you can appeal. Ineligible does not mean denied – just that FEMA has not received everything needed to process your application. Learn more
USDA Rural Development Disaster Relief
The USDA Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants program can be accessed to help with flood recovery for homeowners impacted by the floods who meet very-low income eligibility guidelines, including those who are not current USDA customers. The program has been revised to offer:
- Higher grant maximum – Increased from $10,000 to $40,675
- No age restriction – Eligible homeowners of any age can apply for disaster-related grant funding
In addition to the disaster-related changes to the 504 program for anyone eligible in Chittenden, Lamoille, Rutland, Washington, Windham and Windsor counties, current borrowers for USDA RD’s Single Family Housing Direct Loan program will have the option for various extensions, payment moratoriums and waived late fees.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT USDA FLOOD-RELATED ASSISTANCE: https://www.rd.usda.gov/media/file/download/vt-disaster-relief-summerflood-072023.pdf
Help from the Vermont Weatherization Program
If your home was impacted by the flood and had been weatherized in the past 15 years through the Vermont Home Weatherization Assistance Program, you can have your home weatherized again if:
• You file with homeowners’ insurance and FEMA assistance and first use these funds to address home repair, as appropriate.
• You re-apply for the Home Weatherization Assistance Program and are determined eligible.
Find the application and other help at https://dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/weatherization
Volunteering
- Follow the Upper Valley Strong Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/uvstrong.org.
- Contact your town clerk or town health officer. They may know who is organizing volunteer efforts inn your town.
- State of Vermont Volunteer: To volunteer with recovery efforts on behalf of the State of Vermont, you can register here.
- Town of Waterbury Community Response Google Form: Request assistance or offer your support as a volunteer for the town of Waterbury here.
- City of Montpelier Flood Recovery Volunteer Opportunities: Learn more and join a volunteer effort locally in Montpelier here, and find more information about Montpelier flood relief efforts through Montpelier Alive’s website here.
- Rainbow Bridge Community Center’s (RBCC) Rainbow Response: The RBCC is a non-profit devoted to serving the needs of the Central Vermont LGBTQIA2S+ community located in Barre. RBCC’s Rainbow Response is coordinating local flood recovery and volunteer efforts in Barre. Find more information here.
- Barre City Flood Response Updates & Opportunities to Volunteer: Learn more here.
- Cabot Volunteer Form to offer assistance: Sign up here.
For Farmers
- If your farm has sustained damage, report your losses to the Farm Service Agency. You can email agr.floodresponse@vermont.gov or call 802-828-5667.
- There are also multiple funds that you can apply to now. Farmers can request up to $5,000 in grants from the Farmer Emergency Fund and can apply for up to $10,000 in emergency loans from the Vermont Farm Fund.
- Support for farmers: connect with technical, legal, or financial assistance or to a counselor or trained peer; Home | FarmFirst
NOFA-VT and NH
The Northeast Organic Farming Association Chapters of Vermont and New Hampshire are gathering data from farmers affected by the flood and are collecting donations to assist them farmers
Report Storm Effects on Your Farm – Please Fill Out These Forms!
Vermont Farm Fund Emergency Loans
Qualifying applicants must be Vermont farmers or food producers who have suffered a devastating loss due to an unexpected natural disaster that puts their farm or farming career in danger. Applications are reviewed and responded to within 10 business days. Most loan funds are granted within 14 business days.
Businesses should be in otherwise good financial health, save for the unexpected natural disaster. The loan should help put the business back on track to profitability. Apply here.
Vermont: Farm First Mental Health Support
Farm First has five dedicated farmer peers available to talk to any farmers this week. Farmers can access their resource coordinator, counselor, or peers by contacting:
- (802) 318-5538 during daytime work hours (8:00 AM-4:30 PM M-F)
- (877) 493-6216 outside of daytime work hours
- Email: Eva Griffin at EvaG@farmfirst.org
For Businesses
- If your business has sustained damage, you should report it to Vermont 211.
- Visit the Small Business Administration and the Vermont Small Business Development Center for more resources.
Financial Assistance for Businesses
Compiled by Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility
At this time there are no public (state or federal) grants available for businesses. Your options for financial assistance are insurance, grants, and loans from private organizations (as eligible/available).
For all options, beware of scammers, who are attempting to take advantage of businesses in Vermont.
Have a suggestion for this list? A question about these options? Let VBSR know!
GRANTS
- The Vermont Main Street Flood Recovery Fund will provide grants to small businesses up to $2,500 to to cover costs such as equipment replacement, supplies, and help with clean-up. (Application form is live and accepting applications first come, first serve.)
- The Farm to Plate Network has put together Flood Related Resources for Vermont’s Farming Communities including grant options for farmers.
LOANS
- The Vermont Small Business Development Center recommends businesses pause to consider whether they can take on debt. If you decide to pursue loans, remember that you don’t have to accept the offer.
- Contact your bank/lending institution to see what type of assistance they may be able to provide, including flexibility with current loans you have.
- VSECU is offering three flood disaster business loans, ranging from $20,000 to $250,000 with a low, fixed rate. Call your VSECU or NEFCU business loan officer or contact their VBiz Team for more information.
- Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation Emergency Working Capital Loan: Term is 5 years, with an interest rate of 2%. Amount is up to $10,000. There is no Prepay Penalty.
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans: Business owners who sustained losses in Chittenden, Lamoille, Rutland, Washington, Windham, and Windsor counties can begin applying for low-interest, long-term loans in two categories. More counties may be designated in the future. (Note: it is strongly recommended that you work with Vermont’s SBA Disaster Team to prepare your application – see “Get Support!” below.)
Several organizations are available to help businesses navigate the various resources and types of assistance available.
- VBSR members can contact VBSR Membership & Development Manager, Madison Wood, at madisonw@vbsr.org or (802) 870-0868.
- SBA Business Recovery Centers are open in Berlin and Ludlow to assist business owners and residents in filling out a disaster loan application, accept documents for existing applications, and provide updates on an application’s status. Centers will operate as below until further notice:
- Business Recovery Center – Washington County
Vermont Chamber of Commerce
751 Granger Road
Berlin, VT 05641
Opening: Tuesday, July 18, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Business Recovery Center – Windsor County
Engel & Völkers Okemo Building
126 Main Street
Ludlow, VT 05149
Opening: Wednesday. July 19, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Business Recovery Center – Washington County
- Business assistance will continue to be provided by the Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC) and the Regional Development Corporation (RDC) in your region.
Staying Safe
Roads and Alerts
Remember: DO NOT TAKE ANY CHANCES. Stay away from rivers and flooded areas. Keep yourself and your family safe by staying well clear of damaged and flooded areas. There are countless road washouts around the state, please respect all detours and never drive across a flooded road. Any individual reporting a life-threatening situation should dial 9-1-1.
- For a list of state road closures visit: https://newengland511.org/
- Track river forecasts and levels here: https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=btv
- Register for Vermont Alerts at www.vtalert.gov to receive up-to-the-minute safety warnings.
- Check the National Weather Service for weather updates.
- Please see here for additional alerts and sources of information, including language translations, additional best practices, and more: https://www.sanders.senate.gov/bernie-buzz/please-read-emergency-flooding-resources/
Flood safety tips from Vermont Emergency Management
- If rising water is approaching, leave.
- Evacuate over high ground and plan a route any time there may be flooding.
- Never drive or walk through floodwaters. Strong currents or unseen washouts can sweep you and your car away.
- Turn off the circuit breaker in your home before you evacuate, if you can do so safely.
- Have a licensed electrician inspect your electrical system before you reoccupy your home if it has been flooded.
- If you are in a flood-prone area, or if you believe your home will be flooded, it is advisable to move valuables from your basement in case water enters your home.
- Check your insurance coverage now, and then contact your insurance company if you have damage.
How to Stay Safe During a Flood
This work was done by the Vermont Language Justice Project [vtlanguagejustice.org].
Arabic. https://youtu.be/vm15hdu30MY [youtu.be]
Burmese.https://youtu.be/L3_4-0nopms [youtu.be]
Dari https://youtu.be/vIzTzN6lK0I [youtu.be]
English ( Closed Captions). https://youtu.be/uglF3z4nhqM [youtu.be]
French. https://youtu.be/QHucKqz9XYc [youtu.be]
Kirundi. https://youtu.be/lddRLJZmQ4E [youtu.be]
Maay Maay. https://youtu.be/oi5Rr6ckbio [youtu.be]
Mandarin. https://youtu.be/2llcoxBIBx8 [youtu.be]
Nepali https://youtu.be/8xVgXmuSsqE [youtu.be]
Pashto https://youtu.be/6SHPyhmjN2o [youtu.be]
Somali. https://youtu.be/L2HyxM80LJ4 [youtu.be]
Spanish. https://youtu.be/tEM-ZqQXdWE [youtu.be]
Swahili. https://youtu.be/KYiEJARk-is [youtu.be]
Vietnamese. https://youtu.be/49MYAW-GtTk [youtu.be]
Tigrinia. https://youtu.be/20PI19j67Mo [youtu.be]
Ukrainian. https://youtu.be/uZ47vSXK_m4 [youtu.be]
Donate
- Upper Valley Strong is collecting donations for long-term recovery help throughout the Upper Valley, with the Upper Valley Haven as the fiscal sponsoring collecting donations on Upper Valley Strong’s behalf. Donate here
- The Red Cross is collecting donations to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from the recent Vermont floods. Donate here.
- Barre Community Fund has been set up by the Barre Area Development, Inc., a 501c3, is managing the Barre Community Fund and will ensure that 100% of the tax-deductible funds raised will be directly allocated to those most in need in the Barre community.
- Vermont Main Street Flood Recovery Fund – aimed at supporting Vermont’s small businesses.
- The NOFA Farmer Emergency Fund and the Vermont Farm Fund will help support farmers across the state. When donating to NOFA, be sure to select “farmer emergency fund” under “campaign.”
- The Greensboro Association’s Community Relief Fund is collecting donations to support recovery in Greensboro and surrounding areas.
- The Intervale Recovery Fund will help support farmers at the Intervale. Select “intervale recovery campaign” under “how should this donation be directed.”
- The VT Response and Recovery Fund 2023 has been set up by the Vermont Community Loan fund to fund nonprofits and state and community groups in (1) Immediate Response and Relief, (2) Building Back Communities, and (3): Watershed Resilience. It is contributing to the efforts listed above. See the full list of the first round of money distribution here.