Sandy Recovery Underway but Much Work Remains, says the Network
Commemorates two year anniversary at multiple events in hardest hit areas

10/29/2014

Commemorating the two year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey (the Network) joined Sandy survivors, community leaders, and elected officials including NJ Senate President Steve Sweeney, U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Cory Booker, U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, and Secretary Julian Castro of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at events in Perth Amboy, Union Beach, Ortley Beach, Moonachie. On the anniversary, Network President and CEO Staci Berger issued the following statement:
 
“Since Sandy hit two years ago, the Network has advocated for a fair, equitable recovery that helps everyone rebuild. Coming back from a disaster of the magnitude of Sandy is a multi-year effort but there must be a continued, unyielding commitment to assist families and communities that were in the storm’s path as well as those who have suffered from its aftermath.  

“While we are glad that more folks are finally starting the rebuilding process, we know that far too many are still waiting. Our leaders need to address the emerging need for temporary rental assistance for families who are displaced while they are rebuilding. Trying to pay a mortgage and rent, when folks are lucky enough to be able to find a place in our exceptionally tight rental market, is a greater burden than Sandy survivors should be asked to bear. With the state’s own rental assistance through SHRAP nearly gone, it is unclear how thousands of families will be able to keep a roof over their heads while they put a new one on their home.

“The people of New Jersey are incredibly resilient and hard-working, and we will recover. A strong recovery is good for the whole state; for the people who have lost so much and waited for so long, for the businesses and employees who have been impacted financially, for the front line case workers and social service providers who are dealing with the after effects on people’s mental health from being displaced for so long. If we work together, we can build back our state to a place everyone can call home.”

The Housing and Community Development Network supports New Jersey’s community development sector, collaborating with more than 250 members including community development corporations and other organizations to create affordable homes, expand economic opportunities, and build strong communities. For more information on the Network, visit www.hcdnnj.org.
 
For more information:  Nina Arce
(609) 393-3752 x1200
(609) 789-7900
Website:  hcdnnj.org
Twitter site:  twitter.com/hcdnnj
Facebook site:  facebook.com/hcdnnj