Honoring Hudson Valley's Long Road To Ida Recovery And Getting Ready For Tomorrow

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — The Fuller Center's Jim Killoran and his army of volunteers have had a busy year since flooding from Hurricane Ida devastated the region.

The victims and volunteers alike marked the solemn anniversary of Ida's destruction by celebrating just how far they have come and taking the opportunity to help homeowners make sure they are as prepared as possible for the next disaster.

When Patch last caught up with Killoran last fall, the Executive Director of The Fuller Center for Housing of Greater New York City was in a desperate push to get families displaced by Ida back in their homes in time for Thanksgiving. At the time, just a matter of weeks after the widespread flooding that cost lives and destroyed homes, those efforts seemed almost Herculean.

"It was a tall order, but we managed to accomplish a lot," Killoran said. "The job isn't done yet. It's been a year and we're still out here rebuilding."

A luncheon to mark the anniversary of Ida's devastation was, in many ways, a chance for both volunteers and victims to take a breath and appreciate how far they have come in just a few short months. There was plenty of reason for celebration, as those in attendance shared how a tragic force of nature became a new beginning, but Killoran isn't content to just reflect on the amazing accomplishments since the storm.

"We need to think about the next disaster today," Killoran said. "I love this work, but we can't do this every year. It isn't enough to just rebuild — we need to rebuild better and smarter."

SEE ALSO: A Year After Ida, Hochul's $41.2M Storm Recovery Plan Unveiled

This is in part why the Fuller Center is marking the Ida anniversary not just with the pride of accomplishment, but with grit, determination and sandbags to help lessen the impact of the next storm.

The Fuller Center is distributing 500 sandbags in honor of the anniversary of Hurricane Ida.

"This is part of encouraging people to realize we need to be more resilient," Killoran said. "Sandbags are a piece of a resiliency plan for every home and small business. The Fuller Center has already distributed over 250 bags during the last two weeks to residents and small businesses."

When disaster strikes in communities across the region, the Fuller Center is among the very first on the scene and the aftermath of Ida was no exception. Killoran and his teams of volunteers don't need to ask how they can help — they already have a plan. It's no surprise that he is encouraging others to follow that lead.

"Have a plan to be ready because hurricane season is upon us," Killoran said. "Spending a thousand or two thousand dollars today to make sure your home or business is ready for the next flood could save tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in a disaster like Ida or Sandy."

Just because Killoran can't help himself from looking down the road, it doesn't mean he doesn't appreciate how far the affected communities have come in a short time.

The Fuller Center is creating a memory book to allow those touched both by disaster and the kindness of neighbors to share stories from Ida as well as from 15 years ago in Mamaroneck when the first historic flood of our lifetimes hit. Anyone who would like to contribute their story should email jim@fullercenterny.org or text 914-406-3357.

Anybody who would like to receive sandbags can also text 914-406-3357.

Killoran said that much of the Fuller Center's time is still being spent helping those who were displaced by Ida along the path to recovery. He said he is eager to again focus on the Fuller Center's core mission of putting families in their own homes — if slow-moving flood mitigation efforts and good fortune keep the next disaster at bay for a little while longer.

"I am incredibly blessed," Killoran said. "I have the best job in the world. Watching people in the community come together as a force that can lift up neighbors is something that is amazing to witness and it's something I see everyday."

People can make a donation to the Fuller Center here. The Fuller Center is still working on projects in the hurricane area and will be taking volunteers to help during its 9/11 build-a-thon. The center also welcomes volunteers anytime.

SEE ALSO:

• S. Westchester Flood Crisis Stretches First Responders: Photos
• 'Significant Damage' As Mamaroneck Flooded By Ida
• 'Some Didn't Have Much More Than Socks;" 125 at Shelter Overnight
• Fatality From Ida Flooding Confirmed By Harrison Police
• Rabbi Killed In Ida Flooding Recalled As 'A Very Good Man'
• Westchester County's Flood Disclosure Law Now In Effect
• Mamaroneck Chamber Of Commerce Congratulated For 'Miraculous' Recovery
• Village of Mamaroneck Passes $1.36M Resolution For Emergency Dredging
• 'Enough Is Enough,' Lawmakers Demand Flood Mitigation Project
• Community Resource Center Raises Nearly $800K For Ida Recovery
• NY-Based Chobani Helps To Feed Ida Flood Victims In Mamaroneck
• Fuller Center Races To Help Ida Families Before Cold Weather
• Deadline Looming To Apply For Ida Disaster Assistance