Help the Athena-Blackwells Recover from Floods

The Athena-Blackwells (Christiana, Walker, and baby Jules) had their Plainfield, VT home flooded twice in two years. Walker is a printmaker and photographer who grew up in Cabot and Christiana is a music educator who teaches middle school. They are positive, community-focused folks always ready to help a friend or neighbor and share what they have.

In 2023, the family moved from Washington, VT to their house on Hudson Avenue. Barely a week after moving in, their basement flooded and they lost a significant amount of belongings. Despite ensuing health issues and job losses, the Athena-Blackwells got by and made the house a home.

However, the Great Brook flooded one year later, destroying nearby bridges and homes. The Athena-Blackwells once again faced damages. This time, several feet of silt and mud covered the road and flowed into their basement and garage. The sludge surrounded Walker's car, totaling it, and caused losses of belongings, equipment, and tools. The family will have to re-do their driveway and rebuild the steps and part of their front porch. In addition, Walker was out of state guest-teaching and had to bear the expense of flying back to work on cleanup before heading back to his job.

The community is helping with cleanup of their basement and garage, which has been incredible. One of the only homes on the street with working electricity, the Athena-Blackwells share their outlets to neighbors powering dehumidifiers, fans and other vital equipment. They still are without water, which makes caring for 15-month-old Jules more difficult.

Thank you for helping this sweet family recoup some of the losses by donating to and sharing this fundraiser.