Starting Over Strong Vermont ends July 31, 2025; Disaster Case Management support continues
Vermont Business Magazine As Vermont continues to recover from the floods of 2023, 2024, and 2025, the state is shifting its resources. The Department of Mental Health’s Starting Over Strong Vermont (SOSVT) program concludes today, July 31, 2025, as planned. Ongoing support will continue through Long-Term Recovery Groups, the FEMA-funded Disaster Case Management (DCM) program, and other community-based services.
SOSVT was funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the SAMHSA. The Program has provided flood survivors with emotional support, coping skills, community education, and resource referrals since July 2023.
“In the aftermath of the floods, our SOSVT teams met folks in their communities to bring comfort, connection, and support,” said Emily Hawes, Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Mental Health. “Now our focus is on the longer road to recovery. Help is still here for you. You don’t have to figure it out alone—it’s just coming through different pathways.”
DCM continues that work with a focus on long-term planning. Case managers are working one-on-one with people impacted by flooding to develop personalized recovery plans, connect them with housing and financial assistance, and guide them through local recovery efforts. The program serves residents in FEMA Individual Assistance designated counties.
“Recovering from a disaster doesn’t happen all at once,” said Jason Gosselin AHS’ Emergency Management Director. “People’s needs change over time. DCM is here to help Vermonters with recovery planning, whether that’s rebuilding, relocating, or accessing long-term recovery groups for support.”
If you or someone you know needs flood recovery support:
- Visit the Disaster Case Management website at disasterrecovery.vermont.gov to learn more or request a case manager.
- Find a local long-term recovery group: Long Term Recovery Groups | Disaster Recovery
- Call the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline at 1‑800‑985‑5990 (press 2 for Spanish) for immediate emotional support.
- Dial 2‑1‑1 for general flood recovery information through Vermont 211.
Suicide is preventable, and help is available. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, you can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, to be connected with a trained crisis counselor. To get help, give help, and join Vermont's suicide prevention efforts, visit FacingSuicideVT.com.
About the Department of Mental Health
Vermont Department of Mental Health (DMH) has a critical mission to improve the conditions and well-being of all Vermonters across the state and protect those who cannot protect themselves.
7.31.2025. WATERBURY, Vt. — mentalhealth.vermont.gov
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