The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has opened five disaster recovery centers across the state. Centers are located in Killington, Dover, Barre, Brattleboro, and Waterbury. More locations are expected to open soon.
These centers will help Vermonters identify benefits, grants, and low-interest loans that are available to help families recover from the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Irene.
In addition to damaging their office building, Tropical Storm Irene devastated elderly housing run by the Brattleboro Housing Authority (BHA). The Vermont Affordable Housing Coalition is reporting that BHA had damage in 70 of the 80 apartments at Melrose Senior Housing and have had to put up many seniors in temporary housing in motels.
The governor held a press conference in Moretown, Vermont yesterday to meet with residents, survey damage from Tropical Storm Irene and outline the various federal and state programs designed to help them get properties repaired and rebuilt. Read the governor's press release and list of resources for homeowners.
On Friday, September 2nd, US Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan announced several ways the agency will be speeding federal disaster assistance to Vermont and providing support for displaced owners and renters.
The notice announces that HUD is: