Vermonters Denied FEMA Assistance Due to Flood Insurance Lapses

Even as FEMA is working to dole out millions of dollars in grants to Vermonters hit by flooding in eight designated counties, some who received money following previous flooding -- but did not comply with subsequent insurance requirements -- are now learning they are not eligible.

‘In some ways, it seems like that’s being held over our heads now because we save our home and because we saved it. It’s almost like a punishment now,’ said

Sara Morris, who lost almost everything in her Barre home this month. Now, her home is sinking into the ground and she says she feels the same. ‘It’s just where... where is the help?’

After receiving FEMA assistance back in 2011 after Tropical Storm Irene, Morris says she was sure the agency would be able to help her again. But she says she instead received a denial. ‘That glimmer of hope was everything, and to have it ripped away is… the uncertainty now with everything. Because I don’t know what to do next, I don’t know where to turn. Everything seems to not be working out,’ she said.