At a January audit of VHFA by the US Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD), HUD Manchester (NH) Multifamily Program Center Acting Director Mark Seltzer, when he learned about VHFA’s two work days in the Waterbury area for Irene recovery, suggested that HUD and VHFA hold a joint work day … so we did!
On Tuesday July 17, six of colleagues from HUD Manchester and six VHFA staffers got together for a joint work day – doing river bank clean up in Stockbridge VT – addressing damage from Tropical Storm Irene. The group was able to contribute toward debris removal in Guernsey Hollow and along the Tweed River.
Directed and accompanied by local volunteers, the group hauled trash, tires, household debris, a ski lift, various building materials, you name it, all deposited by Irene, into two large piles. A fully intact light bulb, unearthed by Executive Director, Sarah Carpenter, was also among the many treasures the group sifted through.
Hard work was accompanied by good will and joviality, lots of cold water to drink and a late day river swim. Our local hosts were very appreciative of the support for their ongoing efforts to recover from Irene.
