Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Natural Resources
First Advisor
Jon Erickson
Abstract
Manufactured housing communities (MHCs) provide a significant source of affordable homeownership in many rural communities across northern New England. A significant portion of these communities are often found in marginal locations, including areas prone to flooding. As climate change impacts intensify, MHCs are increasingly recognized as frontline communities. This was most recently illustrated by the Great Vermont Flood of July 2023, which brought significant flooding to five MHCs in Vermont. This dissertation presents a collection of research that focuses on understanding MHCs through a climate justice lens.
The first paper synthesizes key findings from an integrative literature review to illustrate how these communities experience vulnerability to climate change at the household, housing structure, and community scales. Case examples from an action research program in the State of Vermont developed over a fifteen-year period between university researchers and a statewide MHC advocacy organization are presented to highlight experiences with manufactured housing communities impacted by severe flooding events between 1998-2023. Key recommendations are presented for emergency management professionals to consider in response to climate and other vulnerabilities.
The second paper describes the process, results, and outcomes from a statewide flood risk assessment that integrated geospatial analysis and community engagement to deepen understanding of flood risks to MHCs across the State of Vermont. The geospatial analysis found 35 of the state’s 238 MHCs as having some level of FEMA-mapped flood risk to lot locations. Community engagement workshops were held in three MHCs to share the mapping results and engage residents in conversations about flood risk perceptions and preparedness practices. Outcomes from this integrated assessment include the development and communication of MHC-specific flood risk maps.
The third paper presents findings from a regional collaboration that focused on MHCs across northern New England in the context of a changing climate. This collaboration drew on a foundation of action research conducted in Vermont to apply within the neighboring states of New Hampshire and Maine. This effort resulted in a process that gathered geospatial data about MHCs and engaged key stakeholders to develop an understanding of the data gaps, key concerns, and opportunities for resilience-building activities. The paper presents a profile of MHCs to guide future research and strengthen collaboration with MHC stakeholders across the northern New England region.
This dissertation concludes with a discussion of key principles for engaging in meaningful research with MHCs and a synthesis of the challenges and opportunities for improving resilience in rural communities. Recent disaster events underscore the urgency of addressing climate justice concerns. Stakeholders, including but not limited to community members, park owners, housing organizations, emergency management professionals, and policymakers, can act today to mitigate the increasing impacts on these vitally important affordable housing communities across the northern New England region.
Language
en
Number of Pages
154 p.
Recommended Citation
Hamshaw, Kelly, "When Climate Injustice Begins at Home: Exploring the Vulnerability and Resilience of Manufactured Housing Communities in Northern New England" (2024). Graduate College Dissertations and Theses. 1844.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/graddis/1844