Fuller Center Races To Help Ida Families Before Cold Weather

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — The Fuller Center for Housing has worked tirelessly since Post-Tropical Cyclone Ida devastated parts of the county, but now, the looming arrival of colder temperatures is adding to the pressure to help make families' homes once again safe to occupy.

"I estimate one thousand homes in our area were affected by Hurricane Ida," Fuller Center CEO Jim Killoran told Patch. "Our expertise and relationships from the floods of 2007, Hurricane Irene, Hurricane Sandy has led us to be experts in disaster rebuilds. We want to get families back in before the cold weather, safe and whole and with a better, resilient home or apartment to live in."

The DART (Disaster Assistance Response Team) has been in action for 28 days, with more than 800 volunteers, Killoran explained. More than 80 homes and businesses in Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, Harrison and Port Chester have been worked on. Families in Rye Brook, Rye and Yonkers have also been the recipients of their help.

Many families in Westchester County are still hurting, but there are opportunities to help. (Jeff Edwards | Patch)

Killoran said there is a lot more rebuilding to be done and the clock is ticking.

"When I see the children of the families we are helping who are waiting to get back to normal, it just hits home," Killoran said. "We want to get this done so these kids can celebrate Thanksgiving and the holidays in homes that are safe and comfortable."

The Fuller Center will need more donations of time, supplies and money if this laudable goal is going to be accomplished. The organization is in need of contractor bags, gloves, tape for sheetrock, compound, non perishable foods and other supplies.

Supplies and donations can be dropped off at the Command Center at the Jefferson Avenue Ext. parking lot at Station Plaza, as well as The Fuller Center's headquarters in New Rochelle at 659 Main St.

If you need help, text 914-406-3357 or email DART@fullercenterny.org