Flood Update
Thursday, July 11, 2024 |
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| Dear UCM Family,
Thank you all for your care, concern, and diligence these past 24 hours, as we have prepared for and weathered this most recent storm together. It is inspiring to see our beloved community continue to reach out, show up, and support one another.
First ~ some heartening news: the Unitarian Church of Montpelier’s building at 130 Main Street is faring well. Thank you, to all who have been checking in, cleaning up, and making sure all systems are working well.
On the one-year anniversary of the Jul  y 2023 floods that hit downtown Montpelier, we were disheartened by the need to postpone our “One Year Later: Interfaith Service of Remembrance & Healing,” but rest assured, we will reschedule and come together soon for still-much-needed healing!
While downtown Montpelier was particularly affected by the July 2023 flooding, we are now facing damage of similar proportions in some areas of neighboring Barre, Plainfield, and additional surrounding towns. You’ll find later in this newsletter resources for how to find help as needed – and how to offer help as you’re able. Please share these resources widely with friends & family.
If you are in need, or know of someone in need, please reach out directly to Rev. Joan ( ucm.revjoan@gmail.com) or Elaine Ball (ucm.membership@gmail.com).
With love & gratitude,
~ UCM Staff & Volunteers |
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UCM Caring Network
The Caring Network for the Unitarian Church of Montpelier (UCM) is comprised of volunteers who welcome members and friends of our UCM community to request short-term assistance during times of crisis, need, or transition. If you would like to join the Caring Network’s volunteer list to receive requests for support, please contact Paula Gills.
For more information, including how to request assistance, please click here to read more, and/or complete this Caring Network Request Form.
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Volunteer Needs & Requests
To GET or GIVE help in Barre (requests for volunteer work at resident homes; etc.) — Contact BarreUp — email — info@barreup.org — or call — (802) 227-2536.
Rainbow Bridge Community Center open today (Thursday, July 11) with bottled water, food, clothing, and hygiene supplies. Donate here to support their ongoing efforts as a flood recovery hub in Barre.
In Plainfield today (Thursday, July 11) –provisions available including potable water, on the Grace United Methodist church lawn surrounded by the stone wall
The Good Samaritan Haven is calling for support for people living outside, who were required to leave state-funded motels on July 1. Now of course with these severe weather events happening more frequently, we can help Good Sam to be well-prepared to act quickly & safely!
Click here to give online, or donate new or very gently used:
* 2- to 3-person tents
* Sleeping bags
* 8’x10′ tarps (not blue)
* Paracord (50- to 100-ft. increments)
Questions? Contact the street outreach team (outreach@goodsamaritanhaven.org).
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Photos taken by Rev. Joan early Thursday morning, July 11
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| As of Thursday afternoon, flood waters significantly receded; sump pump, de-humidifiers, fans, etc. working well; basement nearly dry; no damage to building |
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Watch for Special Newsletter Friday, July 12 for invitation to:
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| Music Director Donia Prince invites us all to “EarthSongs: A Journey in Music, Images, and Words” this Sunday, July 14 at 7 PM ~ “A balm to the spirit as we pass the one year anniversary of the flood with its renewed trauma this week.” |
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