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Health & Fitness

116 Days After Sandy First FEMA Trailer Is Delivered To Private Lot In Union Beach

116 days after Sandy first FEMA trailer touches land in Union Beach. The Cottrell family was displaced after Superstorm Sandy and they have been working on securing a FEMA trailer.

On Friday February 22 the first FEMA trailer delivered to a private lot in the wake of the storm became a reality.

116 days after Superstorm Sandy ripped through Union Beach and the Bayshore, the FEMA trailer, which at times seemed to be impossible, became reality.

Donna and Glenn Cottrell and their family were displaced after the storm that left thousands scrambling for a new way of life in the Bayshore area after Sandy.

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With 6 feet of water overtaking their home, the Cottrell's sought shelter in one of their relatives homes in Middletown. Immediately following the storm, with help from family and friends, the muck out of their home began.

Priceless memories and belongings were taken to shelter, while other belongings were placed at their curb.

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Soon thereafter their journey to attain a FEMA trailer began.

With countless trips to Union Beach Town Hall, the UB building department and to the FEMA satellite office located at town hall, the Cottrell's became regulars. The Cottrell's tireless effort and commitment to seek out the available government resources, specifically FEMA trailers, is a testament to their resolve. Plenty of hurdles and stumbling blocks were placed in their path. They did not waiver and they continued their pursuit of their first goal, to return home to Union Beach.

Now that the trailer is placed and they can come back home and the pursuit of their ultimate goal begins; to rebuild their home and help this resilient blue collar town get back on its feet again.

The Cottrell's wanted to give a special Thank You to all who have assisted them in this four month journey, and specifically Union Beach Mayor Paul Smith, Union Beach Code Officer Bobby Burlew, FEMA representative Ruby Bailey and Manager of JCP&L's Union Beach line, John Miller

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