Hurricane Irene Help/Donations
Our efforts continue in seeking out aid/resources that are available to homes and businesses affected by Hurricane Irene. Below is a list of ways to get aid/help immediately and a list of places to donate. We will continue to update this list.
US GOVERNMENT RESOURCES
FEMA
Residents/business who sustained losses/damage can apply for assistance through FEMA. Register on-line at wwww.disasterassistance.gov. Call 800-621-FEMA(3362) – open 7 days a week from 7am-10pm. You can also access FEMA at
http://www.fema.gov/assistance/index.shtm) or in Vermont
Farm Service Agency
To report farm losses call USDA Farm Service Agency 1-802-658-2803.
Dowload the Agricultural_Damage_Assessment_Form to report damage to the FSA.
To contact the FSA visit: http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?state=vt&agency=fsa
FSA Emergency Loans: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=fmlp&topic=efl
Other FSA disaster assistance programs: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=diap&topic=landing
Small Business Administration
Loans are available through the SBA to farm-related business, producer co-ops, and non-profits, but not farmers directly. Please visit: http://www.sba.gov/content/disaster-assistance.
VERMONT RESOURCES:
Vermont Agency of Agriculture
The VT Agency of Agriculture and the VT Community Foundation have teamed up to create a fund for VT farmers/nurseries who lost crops, livestock, or land. For more information or to donate please visit www.vermontagriculture.com.
Farmers in need of emergency assistance should call VT Emergency Management 1-800-347-0488
For non emergency resource assistance should call VT Agency of Agriculture 1-802-828-1619
To report damage to your home call 211
For information about road closures call 511
UVM/Extension
Visit: http://www.uvm.edu/extension/
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Visit: http://www.vt.nrcs.usda.gov/news/NewsHeadlines/Storm_Assistance_Vermont_Farms.html
NOFA-VT
NOFA-VT, in 1997 established the Farmer Emergency Fund for organic farmers affected by natural disasters. Contact NOFA at 802-434-4122 ext. 16 on how to apply for funds or donate or visit http://nofavt.org/flood.
Courtesy of NOFA download NOFA- What to do Next A Farmer’s Guide to… Hurricane Irene.9.1.11[1].
Mad River Community Fund
Apply for Hurricane Irene relief at: http://www.mrvcommunityfund.org/
Vermont Economic Development Authority
VEDA has allocated up to $10 million in low-interest loans that will be made available to businesses and farms hurt by Hurricane Irene. Call the VT Economic Development Authority 1-802-828-5627 or visit: http://www.veda.org/
Free Legal Advice
Free legal advice is available through the VT Bar Association, VT Legal Aid, Legal Services Law Line of VT and VT Volunteer Lawyers Project at 800-889-2047 or visit http://www.vtlawhelp.org/disaster.
Insurance Questions:
Insurance questions can be answered by state insurance officials at 800-964-1784 or visit http://bit.ly/bishcaflood for their frequently asked questions page.
How You Can Help/Donations
Rutland Area Farm and Food Link
Visit: http://rutlandfarmandfood.org/
Seven Days:
How You Can Help Information: http://7d.blogs.com/blurt/2011/08/after-irene-how-you-can-help-vermont.html
VT Irene Flood Relief Fund
This fund has been established for small VT businesses devastated by Irene – visit www.irenefund.org.
VT Commission on National and Community Service
The VT Commission is looking for volunteers: http://vtcncs.vermont.gov or call 802-241-4244.
#Vermont Response
Visit www.vtresponse.com – a clearing house for volunteers to connect with those who need help.