Saturday, October 08, 2011
Berlin Flooding
A couple of these items say to see the attached documents - please contact me and we can try to connect with the details.
~~~
Please see that attached documents about a concert to be held next Monday 10/10 in Stowe - tickets are regularly $25-$50 per person but are being offered FREE for flood victims. Have any interested individuals or families fill out the attached voucher and bring it with them to the event. I've also attached the press release and flyer with details about the event. Please distribute widely! concert details: http://www.stowetoday.com/this_week/music/article_bf6f248e-ef79-11e0-9081-001cc4c03286.html
~~~
For your convenience, please find attached a copy of the ReStore Voucher Request Form in case you haven't filled one out yet. If you are able to print it out and fill it out before going to the store you may find that easier. They do however have forms at the ReStore which is located at 28 Granite Street in Barre. You do need to BRING the form in with you, please don't mail them. Vouchers that they award can be kept on file if you're not ready to actually get what you need yet - it will "reserve" the money from the fund for you though.
On the form where it asks "What essential items do you need?" - this would be where you would mention if there are particular appliances or furniture that you are in need of or maybe it's something else like a kids stroller. And where it says - "Please explain what special circumstances brought you here today" please note here that it's Irene Flooding.
~~~
Northern Vermont http://www.vtbuilders.com/ Associated General Contractors of Vermont: http://www.agcvt.org/ These links with with lists of contractors was passed along to me to potentially help residents still in need of estimates for FEMA.
~~~
Notes on housing:
Vermont Housing Task Force - apparently they believe most people are all set on housing, please call and let them know if you still are in need of short and/or long term housing
http://www.vermont.gov/portal/government/article.php?news=3015
*
Homeshare - you never know, it might at least help out in the shorterm http://www.homesharenow.org There are folks who are willing to have somebody stay with them for just 2 weeks, others for longer, some even a year. When you call Homeshare at 479-8544, you will have about a 15 minute conversation with them and if you called in the morning, they should be able to let you know by the end of the day if they believe they have a home that might be a fit for your situation. http://www.homesharenow.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/flood-handout.pdf
*
Craigslist - the ads you see here are not necessarily in the newspapers
http://burlington.craigslist.org/apa/
*
Don't forget to check community bulletin boards for ads - such as at the Co-op
*
Vermont State Housing Authority
http://www.vsha.org/Irene.htm
*
Vermont Housing DATA - well worth checking this page!
http://www.housingdata.org/resources/ /
http://www.housingdata.org/doarh/tenant-based.php
*
Times Argus http://www.timesargus.com/section/CLASSIFIEDS
*
World http://theworld.coolerads.com/classifieds/view_all
*
Ask family and friends to check the bulletin boards and newsletters where they work for information about housing - National Life, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, the State, and others have ways they share information.
*
Vacancy lists
http://www.dhca.state.vt.us/Housing/vacantmhlots.htm
http://www.vsha.org/pdf/vacancies.pdf
~~~
The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Waterbury at the fire station is now the only close DRC what with the one in Barre and Northfield closing. Please note it's only open 6 days a week Monday - Saturday 8am -6pm and will be closed Monday for Columbus Day.
We are encouraging everyone at Weston MHP to register with FEMA before the October 31st deadline. This includes the folks up in the back on the "Extensions" and on First Street. I got around and spoke to most of them today. Best to have registered just in case then to wish you had. Register by calling toll-free 800-621-FEMA (3362), online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via a web-enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov.
~~~
Following is a summary of some disaster assistance available:
Legal Services. Those facing legal issues due to Tropical Storm Irene may call 800-889-2047 for free legal advice. Those who qualify for assistance will be matched with Vermont lawyers volunteering their time. Legal assistance may include help with insurance claims, home repair contracts and contractors, building permits, replacement of wills and other legal documents destroyed in the disaster and counseling on mortgage-foreclosure problems and landlord/tenant problems.
Disaster Unemployment assistance is available to those whose jobs were permanently or temporarily lost due to the disaster, including those who are self-employed. To apply call the Vermont Department of Labor’s Claim Assistance Line at 877-214-3330. The deadline has been extended to November 21, 2011.
Renters – not just homeowners – who had damage due to the storm are encouraged to register with FEMA. Renters may receive grants to replace lost property or if they were displaced from their homes, they may be eligible for temporary rental assistance. These funds are for a limited period until the renter’s previous home is again habitable or they find another permanent rental.
Well and Septic Repair assistance is available for those whose wells were contaminated or septic systems damaged as a result of flooding, including repair or replacement. Funds may be available to pump a septic tank, or reimburse renters forced to vacate their homes due to septic problems.
Flooded Basements: Homeowners who had their basements flooded are encouraged to register with FEMA because they may be eligible for grants to cover uninsured damage. In situations where families do not use their basements as an essential living space, the agency’s ability to assist may be limited. However, residents may be eligible for a low-interest disaster loan from SBA to cover what FEMA cannot.
The U.S. Small Business Administration provides low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes, as well as private non-profit organizations with property damaged by the disaster. If you are referred to SBA after you register with FEMA, you should fill out the paperwork to see whether the SBA can offer you a loan. If you do not fill out an SBA packet it may close the door to other FEMA grants. For more information, call 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people with speech or hearing disabilities). Applications can also be downloaded from www.sba.gov or completed online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ele/.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and certain private non-profit organizations of all sizes suffering substantial economic injury may be eligible for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan of up to $2 million to meet necessary financial obligations – expenses the business would have paid if the disaster had not occurred.
Insurance information. For questions regarding insurance matters, contact the Consumer Services Division at the Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities & Health Care Administration at 800-964-1784 in state or 802-828-3302.
~~~
Please see that attached documents about a concert to be held next Monday 10/10 in Stowe - tickets are regularly $25-$50 per person but are being offered FREE for flood victims. Have any interested individuals or families fill out the attached voucher and bring it with them to the event. I've also attached the press release and flyer with details about the event. Please distribute widely! concert details: http://www.stowetoday.com/this_week/music/article_bf6f248e-ef79-11e0-9081-001cc4c03286.html
~~~
For your convenience, please find attached a copy of the ReStore Voucher Request Form in case you haven't filled one out yet. If you are able to print it out and fill it out before going to the store you may find that easier. They do however have forms at the ReStore which is located at 28 Granite Street in Barre. You do need to BRING the form in with you, please don't mail them. Vouchers that they award can be kept on file if you're not ready to actually get what you need yet - it will "reserve" the money from the fund for you though.
On the form where it asks "What essential items do you need?" - this would be where you would mention if there are particular appliances or furniture that you are in need of or maybe it's something else like a kids stroller. And where it says - "Please explain what special circumstances brought you here today" please note here that it's Irene Flooding.
~~~
Northern Vermont http://www.vtbuilders.com/ Associated General Contractors of Vermont: http://www.agcvt.org/ These links with with lists of contractors was passed along to me to potentially help residents still in need of estimates for FEMA.
~~~
Notes on housing:
Vermont Housing Task Force - apparently they believe most people are all set on housing, please call and let them know if you still are in need of short and/or long term housing
http://www.vermont.gov/portal/government/article.php?news=3015
*
Homeshare - you never know, it might at least help out in the shorterm http://www.homesharenow.org There are folks who are willing to have somebody stay with them for just 2 weeks, others for longer, some even a year. When you call Homeshare at 479-8544, you will have about a 15 minute conversation with them and if you called in the morning, they should be able to let you know by the end of the day if they believe they have a home that might be a fit for your situation. http://www.homesharenow.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/flood-handout.pdf
*
Craigslist - the ads you see here are not necessarily in the newspapers
http://burlington.craigslist.org/apa/
*
Don't forget to check community bulletin boards for ads - such as at the Co-op
*
Vermont State Housing Authority
http://www.vsha.org/Irene.htm
*
Vermont Housing DATA - well worth checking this page!
http://www.housingdata.org/resources/ /
http://www.housingdata.org/doarh/tenant-based.php
*
Times Argus http://www.timesargus.com/section/CLASSIFIEDS
*
World http://theworld.coolerads.com/classifieds/view_all
*
Ask family and friends to check the bulletin boards and newsletters where they work for information about housing - National Life, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, the State, and others have ways they share information.
*
Vacancy lists
http://www.dhca.state.vt.us/Housing/vacantmhlots.htm
http://www.vsha.org/pdf/vacancies.pdf
~~~
The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Waterbury at the fire station is now the only close DRC what with the one in Barre and Northfield closing. Please note it's only open 6 days a week Monday - Saturday 8am -6pm and will be closed Monday for Columbus Day.
We are encouraging everyone at Weston MHP to register with FEMA before the October 31st deadline. This includes the folks up in the back on the "Extensions" and on First Street. I got around and spoke to most of them today. Best to have registered just in case then to wish you had. Register by calling toll-free 800-621-FEMA (3362), online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via a web-enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov.
~~~
Following is a summary of some disaster assistance available:
Legal Services. Those facing legal issues due to Tropical Storm Irene may call 800-889-2047 for free legal advice. Those who qualify for assistance will be matched with Vermont lawyers volunteering their time. Legal assistance may include help with insurance claims, home repair contracts and contractors, building permits, replacement of wills and other legal documents destroyed in the disaster and counseling on mortgage-foreclosure problems and landlord/tenant problems.
Disaster Unemployment assistance is available to those whose jobs were permanently or temporarily lost due to the disaster, including those who are self-employed. To apply call the Vermont Department of Labor’s Claim Assistance Line at 877-214-3330. The deadline has been extended to November 21, 2011.
Renters – not just homeowners – who had damage due to the storm are encouraged to register with FEMA. Renters may receive grants to replace lost property or if they were displaced from their homes, they may be eligible for temporary rental assistance. These funds are for a limited period until the renter’s previous home is again habitable or they find another permanent rental.
Well and Septic Repair assistance is available for those whose wells were contaminated or septic systems damaged as a result of flooding, including repair or replacement. Funds may be available to pump a septic tank, or reimburse renters forced to vacate their homes due to septic problems.
Flooded Basements: Homeowners who had their basements flooded are encouraged to register with FEMA because they may be eligible for grants to cover uninsured damage. In situations where families do not use their basements as an essential living space, the agency’s ability to assist may be limited. However, residents may be eligible for a low-interest disaster loan from SBA to cover what FEMA cannot.
The U.S. Small Business Administration provides low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes, as well as private non-profit organizations with property damaged by the disaster. If you are referred to SBA after you register with FEMA, you should fill out the paperwork to see whether the SBA can offer you a loan. If you do not fill out an SBA packet it may close the door to other FEMA grants. For more information, call 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people with speech or hearing disabilities). Applications can also be downloaded from www.sba.gov or completed online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ele/.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and certain private non-profit organizations of all sizes suffering substantial economic injury may be eligible for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan of up to $2 million to meet necessary financial obligations – expenses the business would have paid if the disaster had not occurred.
Insurance information. For questions regarding insurance matters, contact the Consumer Services Division at the Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities & Health Care Administration at 800-964-1784 in state or 802-828-3302.
# posted by Corinne's blog of Berlin and area happenings @ 7:45 AM 
