PEACHAM, Vt. — As John and Jenny Mackenzie escaped their flooded Vermont home last summer, the last sight they had was their vehicles being swept away by the rapidly rising waters. Their 19th-century wood-frame house had become an isolated island as the remnants of Hurricane Beryl caused severe flooding, shattering their lives as trees crashed into their home and water surged into the basement and first floor. On that harrowing night of July 10, John described the chaotic scene, likening it to something straight out of a horror film.
The couple, along with their twin daughters, lost their vehicles, their beloved home, and significant belongings. Since the disaster resulted in the deaths of two individuals who were trapped in their cars, they have been staying temporarily in a friend’s residence. The journey to find a permanent place to live has been challenging, particularly in a state already facing a housing crisis. Government programs designed to buy out homes destroyed by flooding can take years to process and are not always guaranteed.
However, four months post-disaster, the Mackenzie family is beginning to envisage a fresh start. With help from donations made by friends, family, and the surrounding community, they discovered a new home just in time for Thanksgiving, which has provided them a glimmer of hope amidst their ongoing struggles. Their recovery story has captured local interest as the community rallies around them during this difficult period.
Following the storm, the Mackenzies quickly realized the level of support at their disposal. Just two days later, an army of volunteers arrived to help salvage what they could from their property. The once lush lawn had turned into a muddy pit, and their septic system was rendered unusable. With no time to lose, these volunteers transported furniture and salvaged belongings across difficult terrain to waiting all-terrain vehicles, which then delivered the items to the family’s temporary home.
An online fundraising campaign initiated by friends has raised over $160,000 through more than 950 donations, ranging in size from minimal amounts to several thousand dollars. John expressed deep appreciation for the overwhelming generosity they received, underscoring the importance of community support in this trying time.
The financial assistance enabled the Mackenzies to acquire used vehicles, allow them to maintain their teaching positions, and hope for a semblance of normalcy in their lives. Jenny highlighted that while the monetary contributions do not fully compensate for their loss, they serve as a testament to the thoughtfulness of those around them. A local community member involved in the fundraising effort noted the Mackenzies’ strong connections among numerous networks due to their professions as educators.
As they reflect on their emotional journey, the Mackenzies have come to terms with the significance of losing the house they inhabited for 21 years, a place where their twin daughters, now 16, grew up. They are committed to creating a new home that would offer stability and comfort to their family.
Despite applying for government buyout assistance, the couple is grappling with escalating housing costs in Peacham and the reliance on the approval process of federal and state funding, which includes long waiting times. The government agency responsible for overseeing these matters indicated that completing a buyout application could lead to extended review periods, with uncertainty surrounding the outcomes. Complications arose when the Mackenzies learned that their property might not qualify for a FEMA buyout, although there is ongoing work to resolve that issue.
Throughout this ordeal, the Mackenzies recognized that climate change is contributing to stronger storms and increased flooding events in Vermont, intensifying the challenges they face alongside other affected families. In light of the housing crisis, the Mackenzies opted to explore options beyond Peacham. In late September, they placed an offer on a new house located about 30 miles away in Craftsbury, although this meant a longer daily commute to their jobs and their daughters’ school.
The vintage farmhouse they selected, also built in 1840, feels reminiscent of their former home. Following the closing of the sale, Jenny engaged in planting daffodils with bulbs salvaged from their old property, which gave her a satisfying sense of renewal. Some of their belongings, like rocking chairs, have undergone repair processes to regain their former glory, although their antique piano sadly could not be salvaged.
Realizing that overcoming these obstacles would have been impossible without community assistance is something both John and Jenny emphasize. The struggle of covering the mortgage from their destroyed home while securing a new dwelling created significant financial stress, underscoring the precariousness of their situation.
As they navigate this recovery journey, they have learned the value of embracing suggestions, accepting help, and appreciating the kindness from their community. Initially, it was challenging for John to embrace the generosity shown to them, but he found solace in the notion of reciprocating assistance in the future; they both remain deeply grateful for the support that has propelled them forward. This experience has profoundly opened their perspectives, affirming their connection to the community as they strive to rebuild their lives together.