Vermont has been rocked by severe storms lately, leading to unprecedented flooding and losses for many families. Among these families are the Mackenzies, who faced one of the most terrifying nights of their lives when remnants of Hurricane Beryl struck Peacham, Vermont.
On July 10, John and Jenny Mackenzie found themselves racing against time to escape their home as it became surrounded by surging floodwaters. "It was just like it was a horror movie at this point," John recalled, describing the chaos as trees smashed against their 19th-century wood-frame house. Minutes later, their home had turned from their sanctuary to their worst nightmare as rushing waters cascaded through and turned their lives upside down.
The impact was devastating. The couple lost their two vehicles, their home, their barn, and at least half of their possessions. Following this tragic event, the family of four, including their twin daughters and their dog, was uprooted and found temporary refuge at the home of friends. A community already feeling the heat of the hurricane had to shift gears quickly and unite to support one another. Yet, the Mackenzies still face the difficult task of securing permanent housing as they navigate the aftershocks of the flood.
Fortunately, the outpouring of community support has been nothing short of incredible. Two days after the storm, volunteers mobilized to help salvage as much of the Mackenzies' belongings as possible. They waded through the muddy wreckage, carrying furniture and other essentials across treacherous terrain to reach the family's temporary residence.
Friends set up an online fundraising page to assist the Mackenzies, raising over $160,000 for them. With over 950 donations pouring in from various channels, some contributions came from John and Jenny's former students, which indicates just how deeply intertwined the couple is with their local community. Donations ranged widely—from as little as $5 to as much as $10,000—showing how people from all walks of life came together for those they care about. "It’s unbelievable the way we’ve been supported, and we’ve been trying to find ways to communicate our gratitude," John shared, reflecting on the extraordinary community spirit. This support plays a pivotal role as the family begins to rebuild their life.
Despite these generous contributions, the Mackenzies find themselves wrestling with uncertainty for their future. Their previous home, steeped with memories and history, is now just rubble. They owned the house for over two decades, having raised their daughters inside its walls. Searching for another home, the couple desperately wants to stay within Peacham, but rising housing costs leave them little choice but to look elsewhere if they want to find something affordable.
According to state reports, more than 250 households have applied for grants to assist with buyouts following the flood disaster, adding to the hurdles faced by flood-impacted families. Already, recovery from the flood is showing signs of red tape, as the buyout process could take longer than anticipated. Applications can sit unstirred for as many as twelve months, leaving families like the Mackenzies stuck with overwhelming uncertainty.
And as if matters couldn't get worse, the Mackenzies faced yet another setback trying to secure federal disaster funding. They discovered their property may not qualify for assistance from FEMA, after much of the paperwork necessary to facilitate their buyout disappeared during the storm. "Reality is we won’t be able to afford to stay in this house we’ve bought without the buyout going through," said Jenny, who was adamant about the need for support.
Climate scientists have pointed fingers at climate change, linking it to the increase in violent weather, hinting at hopes for funding guidelines to ease the pain. Recent floods were no accident but the result of more frequent extreme weather patterns. Back to back storms have left communities on edge, worried about when the next disaster might come.
Despite the challenges facing the Mackenzie family, they are working on creating new memories. Unable to find housing close to their original home, the Mackenzies put forth an offer on another house about 30 miles away. The commute time to their jobs and the girls' school doubles from 20 minutes to nearly 50 minutes, but they remain optimistic about the change. The antique farmhouse they chose for its similar vibe to their old home has already started to feel like home. After settling, Jenny found solace in planting flowers, having salvaged daffodil bulbs from their flood-ravaged home, hoping to bring some color back to their lives.
Community solidarity has been incredibly uplifting, and the Mackenzies are eagerly searching for new roots to establish. Investments made today will hopefully blossom tomorrow, restoring hope for the family and others affected by the catastrophic flooding this season. For the Mackenzies, community ties might just be the lifeline they need as they weather what lies beyond the storm.
The Mackenzies aren’t alone; many families across Vermont are grappling with the consequences of climate change and how it's altering their lives. Rebuilding is certainly not just about physical structures but also about resuming life as it was once known. The Mackenzies symbolize resilience through community support and reflect the unwavering spirit of Vermonters standing together through both good and bad times.
