Middletown Family In Need Living Out Of Motel

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Update: This family has been reported to the Middletown police and GoFundMe is reviewing their page, as many Middletown residents have alleged it is a scam. Read Patch's exclusive report: Middletown Family's Fundraiser Under Review After Scam Complaints

As part of their Helping Hands section about those in need, the Asbury Park Press profiled a family in Middletown who are down on their luck and have been living in a motel.

The Dinardo family of five have been living in a one-room motel room on Rt. 35. The family was renting in Lavallette when Sandy hit, and their rental home and business were destroyed. They then rented in Middletown and briefly in Atlantic Highlands, but were evicted.

Rob Dinardo works handyman jobs so he can pay the $109 room rate and his wife Mary Dinardo is looking for part-time work so she can take care of their 10-year-old son, Sam, who has autism. Their other kids, 15-year-old Gianna and 12-year-old Ben, go to Middletown public schools.

The family is trying to raise enough money for a down payment for an apartment.

“I’ll answer 10-15 ads a day on Craigslist and maybe two or three will call,” Rob Dinardo told the Asbury Park Press. “Yesterday I installed two exterior lights for somebody to make $120.”

“I try to stay one day ahead,” he said.

The family started a GoFundMe page, which you can donate to here. The Asbury Park Press says they verify a family's needs through a Shore-area nonprofit.

Image via Pixabay