Special Programming: FEMA & SBA Application Process

On this episode of "Relocalizing Vermont," host Carl Etnier interviews representatives from FEMA and the SBA about how Vermonters impacted by flooding can apply for recovery funds and more.

Flood Recovery & Relief Info

Stay up to date on the state of the widespread relief efforts from flooding all over our listening area with these important recovery resources listed below. We will keep adding to this list as we get more info.

Recovery & Clean Up

• Boil Water Notices

• Vermont Public’s Flood Resources - how to apply for FEMA, interest-free loans or grants, and so much more.

• Vermont July Flooding Resource List (a go-to guide on how to deal with the mess, your mental health, and more during this).

• Agency of Natural Resources - resources on cleaning up, such as how to pump out a basement.

• Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC) offers a workbook to help you document and move through planning and recovery stages after a disaster.

• Flood safety for businesses, before, during and after flooding

Mutual Aid Resources - Ask for Help

• Montpelier Alive has a number of organized ways to volunteer in the capital. There is a ton to do and this is a great and easy tool to use to see where to be one of the HELPERS: https://volunteersignup.org/REECF

• Barre’s Rainbow Bridge Community Center is giving offering help to individuals in Barre and coordinating volunteers daily, 10am-4pm around the city and taking on going donations to distribute (food, water, clothing, etc.).

• Vermont Flooding 2023 Response and Recovery Mutual Aid (Facebook Group)

• Vermont Mutual Aid (open google doc) with offers of help (carpenters, cleaning, etc.). Look for the two tabs - need help or offering help.

• 350 Vermont Flood Resources (need help/give help mutual aid spreadsheet)

• Community action agencies throughout the state are all addressing issues such as temporary housing, food, clothing, case management to help people access state/federal assistance, clean up, and much more:

  • Capstone Community Action (Central and Northern Vermont)

  • Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA)

Mutual Aid Resources - Give Help

• Register to volunteer with the state: Vermont.gov/volunteer

• Hardwick area, in connection to the Civic Standard: For specific needs or questions, contact thecivicstandard@gmail.com, call Neighbor to Neighbor 802-441-3301, or the Civic 802-595-8820.

• The City of Barre is continuing to coordinate volunteers their city website.

• Green Mountain United Way has info on how to volunteer, donate, and offer practical support (like pumps and fans).

Ways to Donate

NOFA VT Farmer Emergency Fund

Vermont Main Street Flood Recovery Fund

American Red Cross of Northern New England

Vermont Community Foundation Flood Response & Recovery Fund

Vermont Foodbank

Red Cross stresses the importance of self-care during disaster recovery

PRESS RELEASE: MONTPELIER, Vt., JULY 17, 2023 — The American Red Cross is committed to helping Vermont families recover from last week’s catastrophic flooding event – and our operation continues to grow as we reach more affected communities every day. When an emergency happens, the Red Cross delivers help to whoever needs it. More than 200 Red Cross volunteers from across the country have deployed to the Green Mountains to feed, shelter and support Vermonters during their time of need.

RED CROSS SERVICE DELIVERY

• Since shelters opened, the Red Cross and our partners have provided 484 overnight stays for more than 186 residents in three emergency shelters.

• With the help of partners, a total of 7,243 meals and snacks have been provided.

• To date, 5,336 relief items, including comfort kits and other supplies have been provided to people in need and 489 total households have been served.

• This Red Cross operation is supported by 203 trained Red Cross disaster workers.

DISASTER MENTAL HEALTH
Health is not possible without mental health. Surviving a disaster can be stressful. It’s important to remember to support each other and make time for self-care. The Red Cross can help.

In Vermont, there are currently 22 disaster mental health volunteers who are trained to support health and mental health services as well as spiritual care needs in shelters and throughout the community – Red Cross volunteers, like Marty Dwyer, a retired school counselor from North Carolina, who says, for some individuals, the reality of the trauma may just be setting in.  

“A week in, some individuals may be feeling angry or very tearful. That’s why it’s so helpful to have a chance to talk to someone; begin to process what’s just happened to prevent long term mental health concerns. We’re not doing therapy – we’re more like confidential, mental health first aid,” Dwyer explains. “We encourage self-care, reminding people not to get so caught up in the clean-up that they forget to drink water, make sure they’re sleeping and eating healthful foods. We’re simply giving people the support to help them discover their resilience and provide some hope.”

If you or a loved one needs help, reach out through the Disaster Distress Helpline for free 24/7 support by calling 1-800-985-5990 or texting TALKWITHUS to 66746.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Help us help Vermont. Vermonters are resilient, but they need your help right now. The Red Cross is seeking community members to join us in our humanitarian mission to alleviate human suffering in the face of this emergency as Vermont families begin their road to recovery. There are a variety of jobs available. Help us by picking up a local shift today!

For more information or to sign-up for a shift, visit https://bit.ly/RedCrossVTFloods.

MULTI AGENCY RESOURCE CENTER
Our trained disaster workers are supporting several multi-agency resource centers (MARCs) in Barre, Ludlow, Johnson, Londonderry and Woodstock. These sites serve as a “one stop shop” for people looking to access recovery services and programs, get a meal, pick up cleaning supplies and meet with mental health and spiritual care volunteers. The Red Cross and our community partners are on hand to help navigate the recovery process.

MARC LOCATIONS AND DATES

July 18

• Johnson Elementary School (57 College Hill Rd., Johnson) – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Neighborhood Connections (5700 Vt. Rt. 100, Londonderry) – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Woodstock High School (100 Amsden Way, Woodstock) – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

July 19

• Johnson Elementary School (57 College Hill Rd., Johnson) – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Neighborhood Connections (5700 Vt. Rt. 100, Londonderry) – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Woodstock High School (100 Amsden Way, Woodstock) – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

July 20

• Neighborhood Connections (5700 Vt. Rt. 100, Londonderry) – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Woodstock High School (100 Amsden Way, Woodstock) – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

RED CROSS SHELTER LOCATIONS:

• Barre City Auditorium (16 Auditorium Hill, Barre)

• Rutland High School (22 Stratton Rd., Rutland)

• Northern Vermont University – Johnson campus (337 College Hill, Johnson)

HOW YOU CAN HELP
You can help people affected by disasters like flooding and countless other crises by making a donation to support Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small.

• Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

• The Red Cross is not accepting donations of clothing or household items, as these types of donations divert resources away from our mission.

• Due to health code regulations, the Red Cross cannot accept donations of homecooked meals or food items not prepared in a commercial kitchen.

DONATE LIFESAVING BLOOD
Over the last several days, dangerous weather conditions and floodwaters have canceled blood drives. We anticipate fewer donors to come out to donate at drives in and around affected areas. Individuals in unaffected areas — especially those with type O blood types — are urged to give blood now to help ensure patients in impacted areas continue to have access to lifesaving blood.

• Please schedule an appointment to give blood today by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org  or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

For additional help or to report damage, dial 2-1-1. 

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross. 

Info on Insurance & FEMA Claims

From Senator Bernie Sanders’ Office:

Most Homeowner’s Insurance Does Not Cover Floods

Homeowner’s insurance covers damage to your home, property, personal belongings, and other assets in your home. Unfortunately, most standard homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover floods. Some homeowner’s policies cover damage done by rain falling from the sky (i.e., damage caused by rain falling into a home after a roof blows off) but will not cover flood water coming into the home via the ground. In order to avoid a denial, Vermonters should notify an insurer promptly of any loss and understand the requirements/time limits for filing a claim, document all damage, pay premiums on time, and take all reasonable steps to protect the property and mitigate the damage after the disaster. Homeowners should check their specific policy and contact their insurance company for full details. If you have concerns with your insurance company’s determination, please contact the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation.

According to Vermont insurance officials, most insurance claims for this disaster will be filed under flood insurance and car insurance, not homeowner’s insurance. Like homeowner’s insurance, Vermonters with car insurance or flood insurance should contact their insurance company as soon as possible to discuss coverage details and report damage.

FEMA Support & Claims

President Biden approved Governor Scott’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration, which will make financial assistance available to eligible homeowners and individuals in Chittenden, Lamoille, Rutland, Washington, Windham, and Windsor Counties. FEMA is still assessing damage in other Vermont counties. The assistance that will be available will depend upon each person’s unique situation. The types of assistance that may be available to people in these counties includes:

• The Individuals and Households Program, which can provide financial assistance for underinsured or uninsured losses, as well as assistance with home repairs and cover rental expenses if you have to leave your home.

• The Other Needs Assistance Program, which can cover the cost of replacing your essential furnishings and personal belongings.

This federal assistance is not a substitute for private insurance and likely will not compensate for all losses.

Importantly, Vermonters have up to 60 days from today, July 14, to register with FEMA for Individual Assistance.

If you have homeowners or renters insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If you are uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

The fastest and easiest way to apply is to visit disasterassistance.gov or download the FEMA mobile app (also in Spanish), wherever you access your mobile applications.

If it is not possible to apply online, call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT, seven days a week, with language translation services available.

When you apply for assistance, have the following information available:

• A current phone number where you can be contacted

• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying

• Your Social Security number, if available

• A general list of damage and losses

• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name

As soon as it is safe to do so, start cleaning up. Take photos to document damage and begin cleanup and repairs to prevent further damage. Remember to keep receipts from all purchases related to the cleanup and repair.

Disaster assistance may include financial help for temporary lodging and home repairs along with other programs to assist families recovering from the effects of the event.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans are available for homeowners, renters, businesses of any size and most nonprofits. Similar to FEMA, SBA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance.

Businesses of all sizes, homeowners, renters and private non-profits can apply online at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov For questions and assistance completing an application, call 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. SBA will answer specific questions about how a disaster loan may help each survivor recover from the disaster damage.

Many Vermonters are going through a traumatic period. If you or someone you know is having a hard time with the emotional impact of this crisis, you can call or text the National Disaster Stress Hotline,1-800-985-5990, or9-8-8.

Bernie’s office also has case workers who may be able to help.

They have caseworkers on staff who help Vermonters navigate federal agencies every day. If you think Bernie’s office can help, please do not hesitate to call 1-800-339-9834 or click here. 

Weather with Bob retiring from weekday airings.

After at least 15 years of being our weather guy, Bob Mitsenbeger is retiring from his weekday weather reports with us live at 9 a.m. This has been an incredible service provided by Bob and one that our community has come to love and trust for what comes from the skies. We are so grateful for his years of weather for the station and we will miss his iconic voice bringing us the snow, sleet, rain, and sun forecasts. His last weekly report was Friday, June 16 at 9am with Tonio. You can listen back to it on our archives.

This isn’t a total goodbye to Bob! He will continue to do weather and extended conversation with Alan & Steven on the “Curse of the Golden Turnip” on Sunday mornings at 7am.

You can also call in for his weather daily still via 802-454-7707.

Thanks, Bob for all the weather!

CVCR Board of Director Openings & Application

Central Vermont Community Radio (CVCR), the nonprofit organization that is the FCC licensee for the radio stations of WGDR Plainfield & WGDH Hardwick, is seeking volunteer leaders to join its board of directors. 

CVCR serves the communities of north central VT and beyond by providing a forum for cultivating social change, supporting the independent arts, protecting the environment and celebrating diversity, creativity, and freedom.  More information about CVCR and its mission can be found at: www.wgdr.org

Board members are actively involved in organizational governance and policy development and are expected to attend monthly board meetings, participate on board committees, make personal financial contributions and participate in the organization’s fundraising campaigns.

The board needs a variety of skills, with a strong emphasis on board candidates with accounting, human resource, legal, and media expertise, as well as those connected to the local arts community, cultural organizations, foundations and the underrepresented communities of central Vermont.

The Nominating Committee is accepting applications until July 7th. Those interested in applying for the board can complete an application here. It includes a handful of questions and will take about 15 minutes to complete.

All applications will be reviewed by the Nominating Committee and prospective candidates will be contacted to schedule an interview with the full board via zoom.

For more information, contact the CVCR Board Chair Mark Michaelis via email at: Board@WGDR.org.