Habitat Bergen Receives Mobile Response Unit to Help Sandy Victims

Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County is one of nearly a dozen Habitat affiliates that received a mobil response unit this week. The unit, which will be used to assist communities in the county as the organization works to restore and rebuild homes in the hardest hit area following Superstorm Sandy.

The C-20 Panel Van, donated by Chevrolet, is specially outfitted with tools and equipment donated by Lowe’s and the Robert Bosch Tool Corporation.

“Habitat Bergen is ready to get behind the wheels of the Chevrolet ‘Habitat Mobile Response Units’ and take action against Hurricane Sandy in the areas that were devastated in Bergen County,” said Jacey Raimondo, Habitat Bergen Executive Director. “This is an exciting way to kick off our project and we are already seeing so much support from our donors and volunteers to rebuild.”

When Hurricane Sandy made landfall in Bergen County, the towns of Little Ferry, Moonachie,Hackensack, South Hackensack and Carlstadt were hit the hardest, as it destroyed surrounding homes and businesses. In addition to the destruction caused by Sandy, a levee broke in Moonachie on Oct. 30, submerging everything in its path and flooding Little Ferry homes.

“The Habitat Mobile Response Units are an exciting new offering from Habitat for Humanity that will assist families who need help with critical home repairs,” said Jonathan Reckford,CEO, Habitat for Humanity International. “With winter upon us and many families in need of support, these response units will facilitate our efforts in communities affected by Hurricane Sandy. We are immensely grateful to all the volunteers who will work alongside these responseunits this week and in the months ahead, and to Chevrolet, Lowe’s and Bosch for their generousdonations.”

Habitat’s “Repair. Rebuild. Restore.” effort to assist with the long-term recovery of communities affected by Hurricane Sandy is underway and will provide families in need with critical homerepairs, rehabilitations, reconstruction, weatherization and new construction.

Following the storm, Habitat for Humanity International launched a multi-phase response tohelp affected communities. This effort includes a range of services that will address both theshort-term and long-term need for safe and decent housing.

The five-year relief plan is expected to begin in the spring of 2013.

Residents can apply for help if you think your home might qualify for Habitat's rehab services; volunteer for Sandy rehabilitation projects; or support Habitat's efforts through a donation.

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