Vermont Struggles with Flood Aftermath, Locals Demand More Sustainable Solutions

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In the wake of devastating floods that occurred seven weeks ago in Vermont, Sara Morris and her family are still uncertain about their long-term housing situation. Having lost their mobile home to the floods, Morris, along with her husband, three children, and his mother, have temporarily taken refuge in her mother’s residence. The floods not only destroyed their home but left it partially submerged in layers of mud.

As winter looms on the horizon, Vermont residents affected by the July flooding continue to face monumental challenges in flood recovery. These range from securing new living arrangements to repairing damaged homes and businesses.

According to data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), over 2,900 homes in Vermont were damaged to varying degrees. Of these, 530 were classified as having sustained major damage, while 14 were completely destroyed. Around 1,280 households have availed themselves of FEMA’s rental assistance program, a likely indication of the number of families unable to reside in their homes currently, says the Governor’s press secretary.

The recent flooding has compounded Vermont’s already critical housing crisis, identified by Republican Governor Phil Scott as the most urgent issue impeding flood recovery efforts in the state. “We’re confronting this enormous challenge each day; it is a concern that leaves me awake at night,” Governor Scott stated.

To alleviate the housing issue, FEMA is importing manufactured homes and looking to lease and refurbish apartment buildings to accommodate flood victims. Approximately 225 individuals qualify for such temporary housing, although half have already found alternate solutions.

Tosh Gilmore, another flood victim, spent two months in motels while searching for a new home. Her efforts bore fruit after a medical professional informed her of an available mobile home for rent. Although she may have to wait at a campsite temporarily, Gilmore is relieved at the prospect of stable housing.

In contrast, Corinne Cooper, who lived in Berlin Mobile Home Park near Morris, has yet to secure a new home. “The available options are scarce, costly, and get claimed rapidly,” said Cooper, who is currently staying with friends. She added that about 40 households in Berlin were affected by the floods.

The victims of the floods are not only grappling with loss of shelter and possessions, but also face complex bureaucratic processes when applying for FEMA assistance and other programs. Furthermore, many Vermonters lost essential utilities like furnaces ahead of the winter season, exacerbating the crisis. Governor Scott cited a shortage of skilled labor for installation and ongoing supply chain issues as significant hurdles.

Adding to Vermont’s woes is the concern that federal disaster relief funding may be inadequate due to competing national priorities. The Biden administration is planning to request an additional $4 billion for FEMA’s disaster relief fund, but there is no guarantee Vermont will receive sufficient aid. Governor Scott remains cautiously optimistic, stating, “We’re hopeful that our congressional delegation will be able to successfully advocate for the urgent needs of Vermonters, especially as the cold season approaches.”

During the flood, Morris and her family were able to evacuate in time, taking refuge in their vehicles in a nearby church parking lot. They were, however, denied FEMA funding for home repair. Morris, who experienced flooding previously in 2011 and received FEMA funds for repairs, now seeks a more permanent solution away from flood-prone areas.

“Something better must emerge from this calamity,” she concluded, as she and her husband explore options with an affordable housing organization and mortgage company for a new home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Vermont Flood Recovery

More about Vermont Flood Recovery

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• Vermont State Government on Flood Recovery
• Housing Crisis in Vermont
• National Weather Forecast for Vermont
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on Disaster Relief
• FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund
• Current Supply Chain Issues in the United States
• The Biden Administration’s Supplemental Funding Request for FEMA