In late August 2011, Hurricane Irene whipped across the East Coast of the United States and Canada, leaving over $10 billion in damage, dozens of deaths and thousands of lost homes and businesses in her wake. Flooding devastated agricultural lands and communities from North Carolina to Vermont in the days following the storm.

Fortunately, the direct impact of the storm on URJ congregations and member families were minimal. The URJ worked closely with our congregations in Woodstock and Brattleboro, VT, to bring relief to those communities, where the flooding was particularly devastating.

Sadly, it is always the most vulnerable who bear the brunt of the storm’s impact. Those without flood insurance or the wherewithal to rebuild ruined homes and businesses will feel the effects of Irene for years to come. Long after the media moves on to other stories, there will be tremendous needs to be met in these communities.