Goddard College was deeply honored to host volunteers from the nonprofit organization All Hands and Hearts earlier this month. All Hands and Hearts has been doing critical relief work in Vermont communities impacted by the devastating flooding that hit the northeastern United States recently. This flooding has been the worst disaster to hit the region since Hurricane Irene in 2011.

All Hands and Hearts currently has volunteers on the ground in some of the most heavily impacted areas of Vermont, with a special focus on the state’s capital, Montpelier. The volunteers have been working tirelessly since July 13 to identify immediate needs and provide assistance. After meeting with local partners like the Vermont Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster and the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps, the All Hands and Hearts teams decided to concentrate their efforts on the northern part of Montpelier.

The All Hands and Hearts volunteers began arriving on July 21 and quickly swung into action. They have been actively assessing homes, removing debris, gutting flood-damaged interiors, and providing essential supplies to impacted residents working to repair their homes. We at Goddard College are so grateful we could provide housing and support to these selfless volunteers during their stay in Vermont. It is volunteers like them who make the long road to recovery after disasters like this possible. We hope their efforts inspire others to give their time to help as well.

Learn more about All Hands and Hearts at: https://www.allhandsandhearts.org/