Cambridge and its Village of Jeffersonville may have taken a heavy hit from rising flood waters, but similar scenes played out across Northern Vermont and in many instances the Red Cross was called for assistance. With 34 families and close to 100 people forced from their homes in Cambridge and Jeffersonville yesterday, the Red Cross set out to find sheltering arrangements. Fortunately, our first call was to Smuggler's Notch Resort who generously agreed to put up 30 families. Arrangements were made for the remaining families at a nearby motel.
While shelter arrangements were squared away, there were additional client services needed to assist the displaced residents. Not the least of these services was to feed the families. Regional Mass Care Lead Steve Pernika and Mobile Kitchen Team Leader Jesse Hannon have been spearheading feeding efforts with the support of additional Disaster Action Team volunteers. Pictured above, left to right, are Jesse Hannon, Tonya Hannon, Wendy Kruger, Lori Stancliff, Erica Bornemann and Steve Pernicka.
In addition to the famlies served in Cambridge/Jeffersonville, volunteers with the Northern Vermont Chapter of the VT & the NH Valley American Red Cross have assisted flood-affected families in Essex Jct., Burlington, St. Johnsbury and Derby. The Regional Operations Center, lead by Regional Chief Response Officer Tim Stetson is keeping an eye on flooding situations in other communities, maintaining contact with local emergency providers.
