Bergen Habitat's Sandy Rebuild Efforts Gets Added Boost

For the next couple of years, the Bergen County chapter of Habitat for Humanity, based out of Oradell, will be assisting homeowners in South Bergen County to rebuild their homes that were damaged by Superstorm Sandy. So far the organization has begun its efforts in Little Ferry and has already gained an added boost to their long-term project.

This past week, Boiling Springs Savings Bank donated $5,000 to Habitat Bergen’s Sandy rehabilitation project "Repair. Rebuild. Restore." It is the second donation Habitat has received in the past few months towards their Sandy rebuilding project as St. Peter the Apostle Church in River Edge through a gingerbread house-making fundraiser.

"Habitat Bergen has already begun to assist homeowners in Little Ferry to make repairs to their homes," Christina Dello Buono, Director of Special Events & Marketing for Habitat said. "The affiliate is in it for the long haul, taking a block-by-block approach in Little Ferry, to really make a difference in the areas most devastated by Sandy. Habitat Bergen deeply appreciates the ongoing support from Boiling Springs Savings Bank and values their growing relationship."

Habitat Bergen is currently working on five homes in Little Ferry as the organization plans to work on areas most affected by Superstorm Sandy.

"Our first priority will be the elderly, the disabled, those with special-needs children, the poor and those on fixed incomes," Jacey Raimondo, executive director of Bergen County Habitat said. "They must have insufficient coverage from flood insurance to pay the cost of repairs. And of course, the house must be their primary home."

Habitat's “Repair. Rebuild. Restore.” project is expected to last for the next 18 to 24 months. Habitat Bergen County is one of nearly a dozen Habitat affiliates that received a two mobil response units 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.

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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