Monmouth County Long Term Recovery Group Looking To Help Sandy Survivors

The Monmouth County Long Term Recovery Group has launched a website in an effort to reach people affected by the Superstorm Sandy disaster in Monmouth County. 

The group will help anyone in need who has registered with FEMA before the May 1 deadline and can provide "spiritual and emotional healing, construction, housing, donations, volunteers and more," said Executive Board Chairman Robert "Bob" Hodnett in a letter posted on the site.  

Case managers strive to move people "from a state of need and uncertainty to a state of security and independence," according to the website. 

Hodnett represents Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton. Co-chair Maureen Mulligan is from Coastal Habitat for Humanity. The Treasurer is Tim Hearne of United Way of Monmouth County, and the Secretary is Very Reverend Daniel F. Swift, St. Benedict’s Catholic Church and School. 

There are 19 executive board members, representing charitable local organizations like Meridian Healthcare System Foundation,  Family Promise of Monmouth County,  St. Vincent DePaul Society, FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, Monmouth County Department of Human Service, Mental Health Association of Monmouth County, Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Sheriff's Dept., the Borough of Sea Bright and several local churches. 

Here is an excerpt from the MCLTRG.org website: 

• Are you finding it challenging and overwhelming to getting back to “normal” since the disaster?
• Do you find yourself not knowing what should be your next step when it comes to rebuilding your life after a disaster?
• Do you feel alone, as if you have no one who understands what you are going through?
• Are you having financial problems in direct result to the disaster?
• Are you overwhelmed by the resources and services offered?
• Are you still waiting for your insurance or FEMA checks?
• Need help navigating the system of disaster recovery (i.e. social services, FEMA, insurance etc)?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, please consider contacting a Disaster Case Manager (DCM) through the Monmouth County Long-Term Recovery Group (MCLTRG). Our DCMs are here to partner with you while helping you identify resources and services you may be eligible for as they assist you in navigating through these various systems. Our DCMs have the experience to identify gaps in service and linking you to possible resources to fill these gaps. The DCM will assist you in developing a strategy to move toward self-sufficiency. Let our DCMs help you move from a state of need and uncertainty to a state of security and independence.

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton – Disaster Response Program
800-652-2080
m-f 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturdays by Appointment