Windham County human service organizations gathered Tuesday to assess the impact of Hurricane 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 Sunday's 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% of donations to this fund will go directly to assisting residents throughout the county in the wake of disaster," continued Derby.

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 explained. "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," Derby continued.

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 earlier this spring. According to Derby, "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 impacted 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 floodingrelated efforts in the coming weeks. By the end of the week, the United Way of Windham County will have an online volunteer system to manage longer-term volunteer needs, Derby stated.

Ways to Give:

Financial:
United Way of Windham County’s Long-term Disaster Relief Fund
www.unitedwaywindham.org
802-257-4011

Vermont Disaster Relief Fund for the long-term recovery of Vermont residents impacted by Irene (United Ways of Vermont is the fiscal agent)
www.vermont211.org

American Red Cross, Vermont & Upper Valley of New Hampshire Chapter
http://www.redcrossvtnhuv.org/

Volunteer time:

Red Cross of Vermont & Upper Valley
802-660-9130
For informal posting of needs and volunteer offers by region, visit:
http://vtresponse.wordpress.com/

Check back at www.unitedwaywindham.org for volunteer registration for longer-term needs coming soon

Check on Facebook pages organized by regions and towns Food, Personal Care Items and Cleaning Supplies:

Brattleboro Area Drop-In Center at 60 South Main Street,
Brattleboro or call (802) 257-5415

Media outlets - UWWC would appreciate you helping us get the following message out
on Facebook

For those who wish to make a financial contribution specifically for Windham County relief efforts, United Way of Windham County maintains a Long-Term Disaster Relief Fund. These funds will support our neighbors throughout Windham County in meeting their basic needs and returning their lives to normal following this disaster. To make a donation, visit www.unitedwaywindham.org and designate your gift for “long-term disaster relief.” 100% of your donation will go directly to rebuilding lives throughout Windham County.

For interview, please contact:
Carmen Derby, Executive Director, United Way, 802-257-4011, ext 110