Vermont

How to help Vermont communities reeling from July 2024 floods

Published

2 years ago

July 13, 2024

How to help Vermont communities reeling from July 2024 floods

Vermonters affected by the most recent round of flooding will need help with immediate cleanup as well as long-term support.

State officials and established nonprofits are once again connecting Vermonters with ways to help, in many cases renewing efforts that began after the July 2023 flooding.

Volunteer opportunities

Those seeking to volunteer can join the efforts of local groups (see below) or sign up to be notified of volunteer opportunities at vermont.gov/volunteer.

Mutual aid and community groups are actively assessing needs and organizing a response in the hardest-hit areas.

Heed instructions from local organizers, such as wearing closed-toe boots and clothes that are fit for physical labor. Be aware of hazards including mold, contaminated water, heat and dehydration.

For mental health support, call 9-8-8, or call or text the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.

Never drive across a flooded road or around a road closure sign.

Keep in mind that Vermonters affected by the floods will need support in various ways for months.

Donations

Vermont Emergency Management encourages cash donations as the most efficient way to get aid to people in need.

The following nonprofits are actively collecting flood relief funds on a statewide basis:

Vermont Emergency Management also suggests giving through a local United Way or the American Red Cross of Northern New England.
State officials say to contact local organizations like food shelves and other charities with any questions about donating items such as food, clothing and household items.

Be alert for potential scams

Be aware that phony charity scams can crop up during disaster relief efforts. “It is, unfortunately, a perfect time for scammers to take advantage of the moment and separate you from your money,” Attorney General Charity Clark said after the July 2023 floods.

If you are approached for donations, you can take the time to vet the charity online or call a reputable phone number for the organization before making a donation. “That can be an effective way of protecting yourself and making sure that you’re investing and contributing to what you think you’re contributing to,” Clark said.

If you have a concern, or want to report a scam, contact Vermont’s Consumer Assistance Program at 1-800-649-2424. The Vermont Attorney General also offers scam alerts to keep the public informed.

This article will be updated as more volunteer and aid opportunities become established.

Have questions, comments or tips? Send us a message.

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Vermont

Magnificent 7: Must-See, Must-Do Events in and Around Vermont, April 8-15 | Seven Days

Published

10 hours ago

April 6, 2026

Press Room

Magnificent 7: Must-See, Must-Do Events in and Around Vermont, April 8-15 | Seven Days

Perfectly Seasoned

Sunday 12

You know TV personality Alton Brown as the quirky host of hit reality cooking shows such as “Iron Chef America” and “Cutthroat Kitchen.” Now the culinary commentator and author takes the stage solo at Rutland’s Paramount Theatre for a no-frills show of his talents, trading the glitz and glamour of Hollywood for a more intimate showcase of food science, humor and heart.

Girl Almighty

Friday 10

Diana Whitney Credit: Courtesy of Beowulf Sheehan

Queer author and educator Diana Whitney launches her patriarchy-smashing poetry collection, Girl Trouble, in conversation with fellow writer Eve Alexandra at Next Stage Arts in Putney. Listeners hear unflinching takes on growing up female, adolescent trauma, rape culture and modern movements of resilience before roaring onto the dance floor to channel the grit and grace of feminism.

Fun Facts

Thursday 9

It’s no surprise that we stan Local News Day (see page 13). Journalism leaders and advocates fill Montpelier’s Kellogg-Hubbard Library for a fact-forward fête celebrating the value of civic transparency and trusted community information. A documentary screening and a panel discussion explore media ecosystems and spur dialogue about how to sustain an essential public resource.

Role Models

Saturday 11

Scale model makers and Lego lovers connect at CAN-AM Con at Williston’s National Guard Armory, where seminars and vendors complement a display contest honoring late Japanese producer Shunsaku Tamiya. Junior builders and veterans show off their finest constructions from any Tamiya kit for consideration in categories such as Best of Class and People’s Choice.

Saturday 11

Disco Inferno

The Current — Stowe’s center for contemporary art — invites philanthropic partygoers to the Lodge at Spruce Peak for Gala ’54: After Hours. The annual fundraiser boasts silent and live auctions, a cocktail reception, and chef-crafted food stations, all inspired by New York City’s glamorous Studio 54 era. Then revelers hit the dance floor to boogie oogie oogie in their flashiest disco dress.

See gallery listing at sevendaysvt.com/art

Piste de Résistance

Saturday 11 & Sunday 12

Music and winter culture festival Gather Outdoors takes Stratton Mountain Resort by storm with a superlative lineup of jam bands and electronic artists, including Philadelphia legends the Disco Biscuits and rising star Karina Rykman. The high-energy mountainside affair fuses plein air recreation with an immersive club atmosphere for an unforgettable end to the ski season.

Reading the Room

Tuesday 14

Vermont poet laureate Bianca Stone continues her “State of Poetry” tour with a stop at Phoenix Books in Burlington. Stone leads an analytical deep dive into the craft of late Nobel Prize-winning writer — and the nation’s 12th poet laureate — Louise Glück, underscoring the vital cultural impact of her contributions to American literature.

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Vermont

Aly Richards announces run for Vt. governor

Published

22 hours ago

April 6, 2026

Press Room

Aly Richards announces run for Vt. governor

NEWBURY, Vt. (WCAX) – A new face joins the race for Vermont governor.

Aly Richards, the former CEO of Lets Grow Kids, will hold her campaign announcement on Monday morning.

Richards has spent the last decade advocating for affordable child care in Vermont, including pushing for the state’s landmark child care law.

Richards’ campaign announcement will take place in her hometown of Newbury at 11 a.m.

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Vermont

Vermont ends cold weather hotel assistance for 160 households

Published

1 day ago

April 5, 2026

Press Room

Vermont ends cold weather hotel assistance for 160 households

MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – About 160 households will no longer receive hotel rooms following the end of cold weather rules for the state’s General Assistance program this week.

Anti-homeless advocates said last year the federal government authorized Vermont to use state Medicaid funds for a program that could supplement rent for people at risk of homelessness.

State leaders this week said that is not an option as Vermont is still building the program.

Vermont Human Services Secretary Jenney Samuelson said at a press conference this week the waiver gives the authority, not the funding or infrastructure to build the program.

“The state would need to put up significant investments including enrolling housing providers, landlords, developing and building IT systems,” Samuelson said. “These steps require significant time and resources.”

The state legislature and Governor Scott’s administration have been trying to wind down the use of hotels and instead ramp up shelters to get people back on their feet.

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