Assistance for Sandy Recovery

Assistance Coming for Sandy Recovery

Help is on the way on a number of fronts for those struggling with the aftereffects of Super Storm Sandy. Nationally, FEMA who oversees the National Flood Insurance Program has agreed to several changes. Two have an immediate affect on Sandy survivors. They will reopen and consider the appeal of 270 policyholders who suffered damage from Sandy and had their appeal dismissed because they missed a FEMA deadline. All NFIP flood insurance providers in NJ must abide by the NY judge’s order to provide policyholders with all engineering report iterations, including but not limited to revisions. For assistance with these NFIP changes contact Sen. Menendez’s office through the form located here: http://www.menendez.senate.gov/FEMA-fix

On the state level, in addition to the LMI programs announced last month that they hope to have in place in January; the Division of Disability Services has enhanced their program for the disabled that need homes raised. The Sandy Relief Home Access Program, previously called the Sandy Modular Ramp Program, recently announced that in addition to providing modular ramps, they will now also fund vertical platform lifts if a ramp is not a feasible option. The program will be open to households affected by Super Storm Sandy that meet the following criteria: Must be a resident of New Jersey; Have a physician certification of a disability that requires a ramp or vertical platform lift; Show proof of home ownership or permission from landlord; Demonstrate that all other funding sources are exhausted or unavailable.

The program will always evaluate ramps or stair glides first, only using vertical platform lifts if all other options are impossible. Whether a ramp or vertical platform lift is used, the program will fund the project completely. Participants are not able to choose their own contractor — the program uses 8 approved vendors for ramps and 5 for lifts — and the project is sent out to bid. The program is currently funded through September 2015 or until funding is exhausted, whichever comes first. Individuals interested in applying should call the program toll-free at 1-888-285-3036 or 609-631-2450 and press 9. The program can also provide assistance filling out the application.

Finally, the state is also considering help for Sandy survivors who are facing foreclosure. An article about the bill that would forestall any foreclosure action for three years can be found here:

http://www.app.com/story/news/politics/new-jersey/2014/12/08/nj-sandy-foreclosure-moratorium/20107687/.

HOPE Coalition America (HCA) is Operation HOPE’s financial disaster recovery division. Operaton HOPE is a 501c3 non-profit organization and there is never a fee for any services. Contact HOPE via the Brick office location at 732-451-2068.