Due to flooding again in 2024, Barre Up! is actively organizing volunteers and folks in need. Find the current status and ways to help out, through their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/barreup/

In the wake of flooding events in July 2023, members of the Barre community came together on September 13th and October 18th, 2023 to connect with fellow residents, listen, share, and form thoughts about ideas and next steps for the future of Barre. The goal of this effort was to bring together the full diversity of Barre residents, organizations, and partners in an open, inclusive dialogue to build understanding around flooding experiences and recovery and resilience efforts and create ideas for action for the immediate and long-term future of the city. These sessions were facilitated by the Vermont Council on Rural Development—a neutral convener of public process.

Three critical areas emerged through the process: Housing; Social and Community Wellbeing; and Infrastructure and Planning.

At the meeting on Oct 18, participants heard about the current status of work being done and resources available in each focus area, identified what gaps remain, and thought together with a resource team of local, regional, state, and federal experts about what could be done to address those gaps in the short-term and long-term. This input and discussion will inform the focus points, next steps, and actions of the Barre Up Flood Recovery Committee and other area organizations for the immediate and long-term future of the city.

For next steps, Barre Up – a long-term recovery organization for Barre City – is working to support residents and build a resilient future together for Barre. They can be reached at their Resource Hub at 6 Main St, Barre City, by phone at (802)227-2635 (leave a voicemail and they will get back to you), by email at [email protected], or through their website: www.barreup.org. Sign up to get help, provide help, or stay informed here:

  • If you are in need of assistance you can sign up here or drop in to the Resource Hub during open hours found here.

  • If you would like to volunteer your time, you can sign up here.

  • If you would like to join the Barre Up email list, you can sign up using this link (you are not automatically put on that list for attending so you need to register if you are interested).

A report documenting the process is available here and includes the detailed notes and takeaways from the two community gatherings, as well as recommendations from Resource Team members and their contact information. The report is also a good compilation of assets and ideas from a large number of residents. VCRD hopes it will be a useful tool for existing organizations and groups, and can serve as a rallying point for other initiatives to drive community and economic developments over time.

Resource Team members attending:

  • Rosemary Lynn Averill, Planning Commission, City of Barre
  • Denise Bailey, Director of Equity, Engagement and Advocacy, Capstone
  • Michele Bailey, Senior Program Manager, Vermont Arts Council
  • Bronwyn Cooke, Planning and Policy Manager, Agency of Commerce and Community Development
  • Jim Deshler, Barre River Access Task Force
  • Doug Farnham, Chief Recovery Officer, State of Vermont
  • Alex Farrell, Interim Commissioner, VT Department of Housing and Community Development
  • Shaun Fielder, Community Programs Specialist, USDA Rural Development
  • Kheya Ganguly, Director of Trauma Prevention and Resilience Development, State of Vermont
  • Angie Harbin, CEO, Downstreet
  • Jenny Hyslop, Director of Housing, VT Housing and Conservation Board
  • Tawnya Kristen, CEO, Thrive/Green Mountain United Way
  • Seth Leonard, Managing Director of Community Development, Vermont Housing Finance Agency
  • Tom Longstreth, Executive Director, ReSource
  • Leigh McCaffrey, Pastor, Barre Congregational Church
  • Christian Meyer, Executive Director, Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission
  • Sue Minter, Executive Director, Capstone
  • Julie Moore, Secretary, Agency of Natural Resources
  • Janet Shatney, Director, Planning, Permitting & Assessing Services Barre City
  • Tess Taylor, Co-Chair, Barre City Housing Committee
  • Shawna Trader, Executive Director, Rainbow Bridge
  • Sarah Waring, State Director, USDA Rural Development
  • Kimberly Welch, Housing Counselor, Capstone Community Action

Vermont Council on Rural Development Staff:

  • Lauren Brady, Community and Policy Associate
  • Laura Cavin Bailey, Climate Economy Program Manager
  • Margaret Gibson, Operations Director
  • Alyssa Johnson, Community Projects Manager
  • Jenna Koloski, Community Engagement and Policy Director
  • Jessica Savage, Director of Community Collaboration
  • Charlie Smith, Interim Executive Director