How to help victims of flooding

Many communities in Vermont have sustained significant damage from recent devastating floods – and more rain is on the way. Harrowing footage from Vermont has shown Main Street in the state capital under water, roads washed away, people being rescued by helicopter and kayak, cars abandoned and homes flooded. Homes and livelihoods have been severely affected. Areas of upstate New York state were similarly affected. In New Hampshire, the damage was less widespread, but extreme weather has also affected communities and homes.

The Vermont Community Foundation has deployed a VT Flood Response and Recovery Fund to  address immediate needs of residents affected by the floods – from housing and shelter to downtown and village revitalization to support for farms and farmers. The Foundation is also developing strategies to support long-term recovery. The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation has made a $5,000 grant to the VT Flood Response ad Recovery Fund.

The Vermont Community Foundation has compiled a list of suggestions on ways to give to help people affected by the recent disaster.

The American Red Cross is assisting people across upstate New York and Vermont.

Upper Valley Strong, a group of organizations that helps communities rebuild after natural disaster, is working to assist people affected in New Hampshire and Vermont.

Future preparedness efforts are also critical, as extreme weather events are likely to continue. A 2022 analysis by Climate Central showed that climate change is to blame for an increase in extreme rainfall across much of the country. The New Hampshire Bulletin reports on what the recent flooding means for future extreme weather preparedness in the Granite State.

For more information giving to help with flood response and more, Charitable Foundation fund-holders may contact our donor services team at 1-800-464-6641 (select option three for donor services).