C. VT Listing for Resources & Community Health Services after Hurricane Irene
Press conference organized by Mobile Home Park Residents for Fairness and Equality and the VT Workers' Center, where people gathered to listen to the voices of some of those hardest hit by Hurricane Irene. And of course, where people spoke out about inequality and justice, the ever-persistent, resilient, and entirely medicinal Dandelion was there for an autumn bloom! ♥
Press conference organized by Mobile Home Park Residents for Fairness and Equality and the VT Workers' Center, where people gathered to listen to the voices of some of those hardest hit by Hurricane Irene. And of course, where people spoke out about inequality and justice, the ever-persistent, resilient, and entirely medicinal Dandelion was there for an autumn bloom! ♥
This resource listing was created for an event organized by members of the Vermont Workers' Center who are working with residents of mobile home parks in VT, who were some of the hardest hit by Hurricane Irene. Mobile home park residents have been organizing with other community members to recover from the storm and access the services they need, from negotiation with local and national officials to receiving health care. If you're interested in donating time as a practitioner (herbalist, acupuncturist, etc.) or herbs, supplies, etc to local traveling herbal clinics, please be in touch - dandelion778 (at) yahoo (dot) com. Please click here to sign the following petition: We, the people of Vermont, believe that those living at mobile home parks across the state - often our most vulnerable neighbors including many elderly and Vermonters with disabilities on fixed incomes – should not bear the whole cost of removing their destroyed homes or repairing damaged homes. We call on our elected leaders to provide funds to ensure that these homes are removed or repaired safely, and that residents have a long-term place to live as soon possible with winter approaching. This includes assistance to meet guidelines to return to the parks, or ensuring that there are affordable long-term housing solutions. This assistance should not come at the expense of other programs that people depend on to survive day-to-day. The values of Vermonters is to come together in times of crisis."
( Update 10/2011: Through grassroots organizing, the Mobile Home Residents for Fairness and Equality achieved a great victory in housing rights when their demand was met for the removal of their destroyed homes be provided at no cost to those hit hard by the Hurricane. For more info about this victory click here, to get involved with the Vermont Workers Center as they organize for human rights throughout VT, click here. )
GENERAL SUPPORT:
#VTResponse: Helping Vermonters Help Vermonters - For excellent daily updates on where to go, what to bring, and who needs what where. http://vtresponse.wordpress.com/ The Response Exchange provides a basic mechanism for those affected by the Irene floods to connect with people looking to donate items. Think of it as Craigslist for disasters. It’s simple to post either a need or a donation. Follow-up on posts by commenting, emailing through the form, or calling if applicable. Keep fighting, Vermont! http://www.vtexchange.org/ vtrexchange@gmail.com
Vermont Workers’ Center’s Irene Stories Project Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irene has impacted thousands of Vermonters and thousands have responded in solidarity. When dozens of VWC members and supporters went out to help provide solidarity flood relief, we found a lot of powerful untold stories. Let us know if you would like to tell us your story. Or email us if you have a video or photo you can send us. Send email to irenestories@gmail.com 802-861-4VWC http://www.workerscenter.org/irenestories
The Winter Warmth Project will provide a new quilt for every Vermont flood survivor. If you lost your belongings or your home due to Hurricane Irene, or know someone who did we would appreciate it if you would put us in touch with them. The easiest way is e-mail: http://vtresponse.wordpress.com/ winterwarmthproject@yahoo.com
Put People First: Rebuilding with Human Rights for Economic and Climate Justice article by Vermont Worker’s Center "Tropical storm Irene hit Vermont hard. Many Vermonters, particularly among our marginalized communities, have endured large-scale destruction and suffering. Yet Vermonters are also showing incredible solidarity, caring and resolve to action...Vermonters most affected by the storm were the same people already struggling to meet their fundamental needs. Our communities suffering most from the economic crisis -- people with disabilities, people who are homeless, people living in mobile home parks, people with no or low incomes -- were hit hardest by this storm. Irene has both exposed and deepened the inequities that people in our communities already face every day." Read more at http://www.workerscenter.org/irenestatement
Vermont 2-1-1 Resources: http://www.211info.org/211-vermont
Vermont Family Network: http://www.vermontfamilynetwork.org/2011/09/hurricane-irene-resources/
VPR Resources: http://www.vpr.net/news_detail/91785/
Senator Bernie Sanders Office Resources on Flood Click here: for more links and answers to many questions. http://sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/news/?id=159ac3bc-40f9-4d03-b26b-c7e345321d33#1
FEMA recommends that you be cautious when re-entering after an evacuation; they offer tips to avoid hazards and damage after a flood at www.fema.gov/rebuild/recover/return
There are three ways to register for FEMA assistance: Call the toll-free registration number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).Register and apply online at http://www.disasterassistance.gov/ Apply in person at Disaster Recovery Centers that will soon be established in the areas hit hardest by Tropical Storm Irene. Check back here for the location and phone numbers for the Centers, or you can use the online locator to find the Center nearest you: http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm For more information on applying, see www.fema.gov/assistance/index.shtm
FACEBOOK PAGES:
Vermont Flooding http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vermont-Flooding-2011/212455332141871
Vermont 13 - Keep Awareness Alive http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vermont-13-Keep-Awareness-Alive/126892590742270
Vermont Helping Hands http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vermont-Helping-Hands/222835927765960?sk=wall
HEALTH INFO:
Mold in the Home after the Flood: Non-toxic Remediation and Health Issues – Handouts of non-toxic recipes for the home, as well as internal remedies for the body, available on the The Wisdom of the Herbs School’s website: http://www.wisdomoftheherbsschool.com/MoldInTheHomePostFlood2011.pdf Please copy and distribute this information freely and feel free to contact Annie for support or with questions at 802-456-8122 annie@wisdomoftheherbsschool.com
The People’s Health & Wellness Clinic: Pay What You Can, As You Can: PHWC’s mission is to provide primary health care and wellness education to the uninsured and underinsured community members of Central VT who cannot otherwise afford these services. By appointment only: Mon-Thurs 9am-5pm. Evening clinics Mon and Thurs evenings, 5:30-8:30pm. Additional clinics are held at other times as volunteer schedules permit. 533 N. Main St, Barre 802-479-1229 http://www.phwcvt.org/ (Right on the GMTA’s Route 80: City Route bus route)
Community Clinic at Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism: offers individuals personalized education in self-care with herbs. Consultations (an initial and two follow-up appointments) and a starter supply of herbs are offered on a sliding scale that starts at $0. Donations welcome for services whenever possible. Please call (802) 224-7100 for an appointment. 250 Main St, Suite 302, Montpelier info@vtherbcenter.org http://www.vtherbcenter.org/ (on GMTA’s Route 2 Commuter Bus route and a short uphill walk from Montpelier’s FREE Circulator bus route’s Heaton Woods stop. If you’d like the bus to make a deviation to bring you right to the clinic, call 802-223-7287 ahead of time)
Free Women’s Health Clinics for those who qualify – who are underinsured, financial documents needed, please call for more info. Certain Tues evenings 5:30-9pm, upcoming dates: Sept 28th 5-9pm and Oct 19th 9am-1pm. Includes physical exam, pap test, breast and pelvic exams, health education, and information about assistance programs and affordable health insurance. By appointment only, 802-479-1229, at People’s Health & Wellness Clinic, 533 N. Main St, Barre. Sponsored by CVMC, PHWC, and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. These special clinics take place every other month, but these services are available at anytime at PHWC. http://www.phwcvt.org/ (Right on the GMTA’s Route 80: City Route bus route)
Group Acupuncture at Integrative Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Thursday evenings. Sessions begin at 6pm and patients will be treated on a first come first served basis. All treatments conclude at 8pm. The cost is $10 per treatment. There is no need to book an appointment, walk ins are welcomed. Your treatment will be conducted in a group setting. Treatments are all auricular acupuncture, all points chosen will be in the ears. Patients are responsible for monitoring their time during their treatment. We recommend allowing a minimum of 45 minutes for your treatment. Group Acupuncture is recommended for many conditions including: Stress and Anxiety Management including P.T.S.D., Addiction Management- Alcohol, Nicotine, Drugs, Sugar, Sleep issues, and Headaches. We are currently looking for volunteers to assist us with this project. Volunteers will help with checking in patients and answering questions. For more info, please visit the website http://www.integrativeaom.com/ or call for more information 802-223-0954 156 Main St. Montpelier. info@integrativeaom.com (On GMTA’s Montpelier Hospital Hill and Montpelier Circulator bus routes)
Free Ear Acupuncture for Those Affected by Hurricane Irene to treat emotional distress, stress, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc. as long as the need exists. Dr. Erica Koch and Dr. Christopher Hollis, Integrative Health, 43 South Main St in Randolph (just across from Gifford Medical Ctr) 802-728-9600 x 321
Vermont Integrative Medicine’s Community Donation Clinics offer massage, acupuncture, doctor visits, and more in both Montpelier and Burlington. The practitioners of Vermont Integrative Medicine believe everyone should have a right to healthcare and offer their services by donation. This is an open clinic to the whole community. An appointment can be made in advance to reserve space with a practitioner and walk-ins are also welcomed. We do the best we can to see everyone, but appointment scheduling is recommended. Services covered by donation are the provider time (i.e. doctor visit, acupuncture, massage, etc.). Lab work and supplements are not included. The clinic dates are announced on their website with clinic hours from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Call 802-229-2635 to schedule your appointment today! 172 Berlin St, Montpelier. http://vtintegrativemed.com/clinic.html office@vtimed.com (On GMTA Montpelier’s Hospital Hill bus route)
Central VT Medical Center provides a range of services and support groups. http://www.cvmc.org/hospital/community-resources/support-groups 802-371-4100
WHERE TO FIND HERBAL REMEDIES, VITAMINS, SUPPLEMENTS, ETC.
Green Mt Medicinals/Tulsi Tea Room - bulk dried, tinctures, containers, etc. Open Tues-Sat. 34 Elm St. Montpelier, VT 05602 802-223-0043
The Plainfield Coop - bulk dried herbs, tinctures, salves, etc. 153 Main St. Plainfield, VT 802-454-8579 http://www.plainfieldcoop.com/ info@plainfieldcoop.com
Hunger Mt Coop - bulk dried herbs, tinctures, salves, etc. 623 Stonecutter’s Way, Montpelier, VT 05602 802-223-8000 http://www.hungermountain.com/ Every Wed vitamins, supplements, homeopathic remedies, herbal tinctures and capsules are 20% for everyone (you don’t need to be a member)
Dandelioness Herbals for sliding-scale herbal remedies – tinctures, salves, syrups. http://dandelionessherbals.blogspot.com/p/dandelioness-herbals-product-list.html 802-229-6812 dandelionessherbals@yahoo.com
Mandala Botanicals for herbal tinctures, visit website for updates. http://www.mandalabotanicalsvt.com/ mandalabotanicals@gmail.com or call 802-479-1925
TAKE ACTION!:Put People First Canvass Day: On Sat Oct 15th, 2011 hundreds of Vermonters will go out into our communities to collect surveys about the how the Irene crisis and the everyday crisis are affecting their lives and how we can come together as communities to change it. To find out more and sign up: 802-861-4VWC http://www.workerscenter.org/volunteer
Moving Planet: Because Hurricane Irene was not just natural disaster, but also a human-made disaster as a result of climate change, the Vermont Workers Center is spreading the word about an event called Moving Planet. On Sat. September 24th, 2011 at 2pm, Moving Planet, a coalition of businesses, non-profits, colleges and universities, and individuals concerned about global warming, will gather on the Statehouse lawn in Montpelier for the largest climate action event ever held in Vermont. VWC members will be tabling and talking to people about their stories related to climate change. If you can help out, email sarah@workerscenter.org. http://www.moving-planet.org/events/us/montpelier/232 802-861-4VWC
December 10th 2011 Human Rights Conference: Save the date for Human Rights Day 2011 for a conference and celebration to be held in Burlington. http://www.workerscenter.org/hurricaneireneresources
List compiled by Dana L Woodruff, Dandelioness Herbals. For questions or to add more resources, please email dandelion778@yahoo.com Info also posted/updated online at: http://dandelionessherbals.blogspot.com/