Updated 10/12/23

DEADLINE FOR FILING WITH FEMA & SBA HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO OCT. 31.

Disaster Recovery Center in Ludlow: Hours are 8-6 Monday-through Friday; Saturday 9-2 and closed Sunday. Located at the Ludlow Community Center, 37 Main St., It is like a recovery mall, with all kinds of information-federal and state agencies, and sometimes local. Besides FEMA, we have Small Business Administration (SBA) representatives that can help those affected through the process, and help with the loan paperwork. Also, the Department of Labor is there to provide information for those that lost their employment due to the disaster.

Affected individuals can register, or ask questions about their cases, including appeals, as well as turn in paperwork to FEMA. Also, there will be an expert in mitigation who can provide information about how to rebuild, repair, what materials to use, how to elevate, how to clean mold, and more.

If you are finding new problems that are flood related and have already filed with FEMA, file for an appeal. You can also file a letter to extend your appeal if you can’t get all the information needed within the required timeframe.

Black River Valley Resource Guide: A new guide is now available with local resources available to this living in the towns of Cavendish, Ludlow, Plymouth and Mt. Holly. Download a copy from the Cavendish Municipal Website.

Heating Assistance: Governor Scott in his press conference on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, announced plans for the state to contact Vermonters with heating systems damaged due to flooding and still needing repairs or replacement. Those who reported this damage to FEMA or 211 should get a survey from a Vermont.gov email address. The Governor is requesting response to the surveys so people can be connected to technicians to complete this work. (Those receiving the survey should double check it is from Vermont.gov). Those needing assistance completing the survey can call 802-828-3333.

Efficiency VT-How to take advantage of new funds: $36 million for new flood recovery programs is now available through Efficiency Vermont for homeowners, renters, rental property owners, and businesses affected by the summer floods. The offers can help replace critical home heating systems, hot water systems, and essential appliances that were damaged or destroyed in the floods. The webinar, now available on-line and discusses how you can take advantage of these offers, plus, new weatherization and financing options that can help you rebuild.

THIS IS A MUCH WATCH VIDEO FOR THOSE IMPACTED BY THE FLOOD. On Aug. 10, Efficiency VT held a Zoom webinar that provided answers to many of the questions being asked since the July 10 flooding, from weatherization, dealing with basements in a flood plain, how to handle mechanicals etc. This presentation is now on-line and very well done.

Call Efficiency VT (EVT) at 1-888-921-5990 today! The $36M program for those impacted by the flood is now operational. This applies to property owners, renters (don't need approval from landlord) and businesses. Note that even if you are not income eligible for this program, you can still purchase items with the rebates from EVT and they will work with you on Weatherization.

Income-eligible Vermont homeowners and renters can get additional assistance from EVT to replace home heating systems, water heating systems, and other appliances damaged or destroyed by the floods. EVT has a flood relief program to help replace home heating systems, water heating systems, and other appliances damaged or destroyed by the floods. The new programs can also be used to upgrade home electric panels to accommodate electrification efforts now or in the future. EVT can help with financing options for qualifying efficiency projects, including low-interest Home Energy Loans. Note there is 0% interest for low and moderate income Vermonters and can finance 100% of your project up to $20,000, which can be processed in as little as two business days.

EVT can help advise on energy-efficient options while you navigate this process. They offer rebates that can help you save energy and make your home safer. EVT’s website provides a variety of resources to help with repairs and rebuilding.

If you find yourself with a shortfall is spite of funds from FEMA, homeowners and the EVT program, there is help for you locally.

Black River Good Neighbors Services (BRGNS): They have received specific funds to assist with flood recovery. They can help you with housing, food, financial assistance, heating, utilities and more. They operate a thrift store and food shelf at 37B Main St. in Ludlow. Hours are Monday-Saturday 10-4. Food shelf operates Mon-Fri 10-3. Call 802-228-3663.
Cavendish groups that have received donations to help with flood recovery: Cavendish Family Fund 802-226-7291; Cavendish Baptist Church 802-226-7131.

Before you Rebuild Make sure it’s dry: It takes about a month for wood to dry out after flooding. If you looking to rebuild and want to check moisture levels, the Ludlow Library is now loaning a Tavool Moisture Meter for up to four days. A reading at or below 17% is considered suitable dry enough for rebuilding.

I. WHERE TO FILE FOR HELP

Homeowners Insurance: Whether you have flood insurance or not, file as you may find that you have a rider of supplemental plan that can be helpful.

FEMA: Note that many organizations that can provide help with flood recovery will require proof that you filed with FEMA. Renters as well as property owners can and should apply for FEMA.

You must file your claim by Oct. 12.

You can file on-line but it’s recommended to file in person to ensure that you aren’t denied for incorrect filing. You can also call 1-800-621-3362. There is currently a Disaster Recovery Center in Ludlow starting Sept. 20. See above for more information.

- Clean and Sanitize Program: FEMA can provide up to $300 to homeowners and renters whose residences were damaged but not destroyed by the flooding — and still safe to live in. Applicants for the relief money are subject to a FEMA inspection. The damage cannot otherwise be covered by insurance. FEMA may reimburse residents who have already cleaned their homes, provided they have receipts of supplies, materials or paid help. Apply for assistance online or by phone, at 1-800-621-3362

Online at your www.disasterassistance.gov account.
By fax to 1-800-827-8112.
By mail to: FEMA - Individuals & Households Program. National Processing Service Center. P.O. Box 10055.

FEMA HELPLINE 800-621-3362

US Department for Disaster Assistance for Veterans: If you are a veteran be sure to check out this resource. They can help you apply for FEMA, as well as provide assistance.

Do you need help navigating FEMA applications and insurance claims? Free legal services are now available from volunteers at the Vermont Bar Association and the Vermont Law and Graduate School. The organizations are also offering services to small business owners who have questions about leases on unusable properties, and other flood-related issues. Flood survivors in need of legal services can sign up for the program by visiting the Vermont Bar Association’s website or by calling 1-800-639-7036.

VEM Hazard Mitigation Program - Property Buyout: Grant funding is available through Vermont Emergency Management (VEM) to cover 100% of the project cost for the voluntary purchase of properties (residential, commercial, or vacant parcels) that are at risk from flooding. Note that this is also available to 2nd homeowners. If you are considering a voluntary buyout, complete the Vermont Buyout Interest Intake From

NAR's Realtors® Relief Foundation to Aid Vermonters Impacted by Floods: Assistance is available to qualified applicants towards one of the following options:

1) Monthly mortgage expense for the primary residence that was damaged by the Flooding Disaster or

2) Rental cost due to displacement from the primary residence resulting from the Flooding Disaster or

3) Hotel reimbursement due to displacement from the primary residence resulting from the Flooding Disaster. Relief assistance is limited to a maximum of $2,000 per household.

Deadline for application submission is October 31, 2023. Please note this assistance is for housing relief only; other expenses including second mortgages(home equity lines or loans), clothing, appliances, equipment, vehicle purchase, rental or repair and or mileage are ineligible for reimbursement under this program. Apply by clicking here.

Weatherization/Mechanicals: A lot of basements are now down to the studs and have lost the mechanicals (heat, hot water heater etc.) for their home. To help with costs, the best way to weatherize and more efficient mechanicals contact the following:

- Efficiency Vermont: Efficiency Vermont has received the state’s approval to redirect $10 million in public funds to help individuals impacted by this month’s catastrophic flooding replace damaged appliances and equipment. In addition they have $25 million to provide weatherization to renters and homeowners impacted by flooding. Grants will max out at $10,000 per individual, and priority will be given to Vermonters with incomes at or below 120% of the area median income. Homeowners, renters, and landlords can apply. Grants will not be available for items already reimbursed through insurance payouts or FEMA awards. Applicants will be required to verify income and provide proof of damage.

- SEVCA’s Weatherization Assistance Program: Download the application from the SEVCA website www.sevca.org or contact Tawny Staskunas, Intake Specialist 802 721 0042 and they will mail you an application packet. These are the eligibility guidelines:

Household Size Income Guideline

1 $56,896.00

2 $65,024.00

3 $73,152.00

4 $81,280.00

5 $87,782.00

6 $94,284.00

7 $100,787.00

8 $107,289.00

II. FOR IMMEDIATE HELP

• Black River Good Neighbors Services: Offer a wide array of services including: assistance with finances, food, heating, housing, and utilities.) Call 802-228-3663

• Deacon’s Fund @ the Cavendish Baptist Church: This is for immediate needs and is generally small sums. This is different than the Cavendish Flood Relief Funds (CFRF). Call 802-226-7131

• Senior Solutions: Offering funds for food lost during the flood along with a variety of other information and resources. Call 802-885-2669

• Okemo Valley Business Recovery Center: Operated by the Okemo Valley Chamber, its primary purpose is to assist businesses. Call 802-228-5830

III. TOWN RESOURCES

• Call 911 for emergencies.

• Cavendish’s Emergency Management Coordinator: Bobby Glidden

• Cavendish’s Emergency Shelter: The basement of the Cavendish Baptist Church, 2258 Main Street, has emergency shelter capability, and will be used for assistance during times of extended power outage so community can take showers and have a hot meal. Depending on the season, it can serve as a “warming station” in the winter and a “cooling station” in the summer. Ph. 226-7131 Depending on need, both fire departments can also serve as shelters.

• Call the town office, during normal working hours, for non-emergencies | Ph. 226-7292

• Cavendish Fire Department | Ph. 226-7790

• Proctorsville Fire Department | Ph. 226-7281

• Town Garage | Ph. 226-7294

• Transfer Station | Ph. 226-7743 Located at 354 Route 131, the transfer station is open Wednesday and Saturday from 8-5 an on Sundays from 10-5. Recycling and trash disposal at the transfer station is by permit only

• Water Treatment Plant | Ph. 226-7743

• Cavendish Fletcher Community Library | Ph. 226-7503

• Emergency Preparedness Information

IV. VERMONT FLOOD RESOURCES

VERMONT STRONG, CAVENDISH SAFE