Rattle River Hostel Covid 19 Support
Donation protected
Hello Rattle River Family!
I hope you are all staying safe and well during these challenging times. The teams in here at Rattle River is looking forward to brighter days by the campfire and enjoying busy mornings eating breakfast in our kitchen!
As you all know, these are challenging times for the world, and for our small community in New Hampshire. The Hostel, like many others, has been drastically affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic. The Appalachian Trail and White Mountain Hikers are Rattle River’s heart and soul. Without hikers, our hostel has not only lost its spirit, but also our means to stay afloat financially. We have applied for assistance through the SBA Disaster Relief, but the process is slow, and that money is mostly intended for retaining employees, without much help towards day to day operations.
In addition to the Covid-19 crisis, there is a 50 year old stream that splits off the Rattle River into our backyard that fills the pond that guests know and love to enjoy in the summer, whether swimming, or by the campfire. The infrastructure that controls the amount of water to the stream is destroyed due to previous storms causing advanced erosion. The state approved a limited use permit (with zero funding) to allow me to add some protection to keep the water from flooding the hostel, but we were relying on this year’s profit to build a protection barrier to protect the hostel from future flooding.
To cover the operating costs, insurance, taxes, and create proper protection barrier, the estimated cost is currently hovering around $25,000. Due to the extenuating circumstances we are all facing in the current climate, we won’t be able to come up with the funds required to perform these necessary repairs. With the financial means required, we will be able to hire the right people and obtain the right equipment and materials to protect the hostel. The rest of the funds will go to keeping the lights on until we are able to resume normal operations. The time frame to begin the protection barrier is after the spring waters have receded in July, with completion targeted before October when the big storms come.
I am humbled by your continuing love and support, and feel reluctant to reach out during these challenging times. I know as a community we will emerge strong and keep Rattle River alive for all the future campfires and memories.
Stay safe and well.
Erik and the Rattle River Crew
I hope you are all staying safe and well during these challenging times. The teams in here at Rattle River is looking forward to brighter days by the campfire and enjoying busy mornings eating breakfast in our kitchen!
As you all know, these are challenging times for the world, and for our small community in New Hampshire. The Hostel, like many others, has been drastically affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic. The Appalachian Trail and White Mountain Hikers are Rattle River’s heart and soul. Without hikers, our hostel has not only lost its spirit, but also our means to stay afloat financially. We have applied for assistance through the SBA Disaster Relief, but the process is slow, and that money is mostly intended for retaining employees, without much help towards day to day operations.
In addition to the Covid-19 crisis, there is a 50 year old stream that splits off the Rattle River into our backyard that fills the pond that guests know and love to enjoy in the summer, whether swimming, or by the campfire. The infrastructure that controls the amount of water to the stream is destroyed due to previous storms causing advanced erosion. The state approved a limited use permit (with zero funding) to allow me to add some protection to keep the water from flooding the hostel, but we were relying on this year’s profit to build a protection barrier to protect the hostel from future flooding.
To cover the operating costs, insurance, taxes, and create proper protection barrier, the estimated cost is currently hovering around $25,000. Due to the extenuating circumstances we are all facing in the current climate, we won’t be able to come up with the funds required to perform these necessary repairs. With the financial means required, we will be able to hire the right people and obtain the right equipment and materials to protect the hostel. The rest of the funds will go to keeping the lights on until we are able to resume normal operations. The time frame to begin the protection barrier is after the spring waters have receded in July, with completion targeted before October when the big storms come.
I am humbled by your continuing love and support, and feel reluctant to reach out during these challenging times. I know as a community we will emerge strong and keep Rattle River alive for all the future campfires and memories.
Stay safe and well.
Erik and the Rattle River Crew
Organizer and beneficiary
Erik Barstow
Organizer
Gorham, NH
Erik Barstow
Beneficiary
