Our Origins
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep-rooted social disparities, with communities of color bearing the brunt of its impact.
By December 2020, BIPOC Vermonters were contracting COVID-19 and being hospitalized at significantly higher rates than ther white counterparts. The vaccine rollout initially overlooked these disparities, which prompted a collective response from community-based organizations across the state, led by the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance. Ultimately, advocacy by CBOs and support by partner institutions removed age band barriers, and vaccine access for BIPOC individuals and their households.
Where we are now:
The aftermath of devastating floods
In the summer of 2023, our state faced another emergency: heavy rains flooded communities across Central Vermont, destroying numerous homes and businesses, and leaving lasting damage in their wake. Commonalities between the pandemic and the floods quickly emerged: communication breakdowns between support institutions, access deficits, funding issues, challenging partnerships, and resource constraints.
Where we are headed: Resilience
The work we are embarking on is essential because emergencies, whether pandemics or natural disasters, disproportionately affect already vulnerable communities. We aim to draw connections between successful community infrastructure and equitable emergency responses. Our goal is to provide context, tools, and warning signs for the future. Ultimately, we hope to strengthen community resiliency, possibly institutionalizing these principles in emergency response.
Where we are now: The aftermath of devastating floods
Our Origins
Where we were: COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep-rooted social disparities, with communities of color bearing the brunt of its impact. By December 2020, BIPOC Vermonters were contracting COVID-19 and being hospitalized at significantly higher rates than ther white counterparts. The vaccine rollout initially overlooked these disparities, which prompted a collective response from community-based organizations across the state, led by the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance. Ultimately, advocacy by CBOs and support by partner institutions removed age band barriers, and vaccine access for BIPOC individuals and their households.
In the summer of 2023, our state faced another emergency: heavy rains flooded communities across Central Vermont, destroying numerous homes and businesses, and leaving lasting damage in their wake. Commonalities between the pandemic and the floods quickly emerged: communication breakdowns between support institutions, access deficits, funding issues, challenging partnerships, and resource constraints.
Where we are headed: Resilience
The work we are embarking on is essential because emergencies, whether pandemics or natural disasters, disproportionately affect already vulnerable communities. We aim to draw connections between successful community infrastructure and equitable emergency responses. Our goal is to provide context, tools, and warning signs for the future. Ultimately, we hope to strengthen community resiliency, possibly institutionalizing these principles in emergency response.