Vermont Flood, Day 26

The shelter is closed. After 26 days our work is done and we’re going home.

Those of us with homes to go to that is. For the rest, many of our people – and yes, we’ve become both attached to and protective of many of our families, both human and animal – many of them are now in a hotel until their vouchers run out, then they will be back to where they were before the flood. (Before you think, “well, isn’t that nice,” imagine saggy mattresses, carpets with cigarette burns, thin walls and busy traffic just outside the door. It ain’t the Ritz.) Just the same, more than one person couldn’t wait for a bath with hot water and a door that closed. “I haven’t slept in a bed in a month,” said one man as he picked up his cat and left.

Priorities change after weeks on a cot in an auditorium, even if food is provided (on an aluminum tray). For one or two of our people this may be an improvement over life before the flood. For others it will have to do until their home is ready for their return. Unfortunately, that still leaves a few who may never get back to pre-flood life. In some ways these are the hardest stories.

People who were just making it prior to the flood, but don’t have any reserves to cover their loses, these are the ones I worry about. FEMA helps home owners, small business loans can help sole proprietors, there is help for many, but not for those who were already working one or two jobs and just making ends meet. Many of these people have health issues, or care for a disabled relative or have young kids. Sometimes a lack of education keeps them from decent jobs Now they need to replace their car, find a new rental home, buy new clothes and furniture. It could take years, if it’s even possible, for them to get back to normal.

Hotel rooms help. It gives them time, but it is a short term fix. We closed the shelter because all the animals now have a temporary home, Many went back to the houses they lived in before, the flood, several will be in a hotel for a couple weeks while repairs are completed and some may become homeless with their owners. We had three animals that had to be relinquished because the owners could no longer care for them. We worked hard to find foster homes for others so people wouldn’t have to give up beloved pets. I wish I felt better about the work we did, but in many ways I feel it was a bandaid. Sure, we kept animals off the streets for a month, while the Red Cross shelter kept their people housed, but I don’t see any real solution. Our society isn’t set up to help those at the bottom. I’ve always known that, but it’s hard to close the doors on people I’ve come to know and respect. I wish them all the best. I hope others do as well.

Thanks for looking,
Stay well, be curious, learn things.

Kate
August, 2023

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