Irene: "Months to Recover"

Hurricane Irene caused billions of dollars in damages in eleven states as torrential rains and hurricane-force winds made their way up the east coast of the United States. More than a million people were still without power as of Tuesday. In Vermont -- a stranger to hurricanes most of the time -- the governor declared that the flooding was the worst they had seen in 100 years. "While it will take several months to determine an accurate estimate of the damage from Hurricane Irene," reports the National Climatic Data Center, "there is no question it will rank as the 10th billion dollar weather event of the year."

Hope Force staff and Reservists are now in Waterbury Vermont assisting this small town of 5,000 residents recover after being flooded. Over 150 homes received two to eight feet of water inside. Hope Force Reservists can join us for one day or longer, as your schedule permits, beginning this weekend. WE NEED YOUR HELP AND WOULD LOVE TO HAVE YOU ON THE TEAM! Please contact Sue Duby if you can participate.

"Hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes -- by their very nature they're messy scenarios and even the best-trained responders still learn something new during each response," said Jack Minton, Founder and President of Hope Force International. "Our Reservists are in great spirits and as is usually the case, the camaraderie and sense of purpose are the most common threads from the reports they are sending us. Even our seasoned veterans learn how to be better at 'leaving at a moment's notice' each time we respond."