Cape May County Long Term Recovery Group Helps Residents Rebuild Homes

Targeted News Service

CAPE MAY, N.J., June 6 -- Cape May County issued the following news release:

Seven more Cape May County families received assistance from the Cape May County Long Term Recovery Group and other partners to restore their homes damaged by Super Storm Sandy.

The Cape May County Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG) was organized after Super Storm Sandy to help Cape May County residents who needed additional assistance to make their primary homes safe and habitable. The primary target populations are low income and elderly or disabled. The LTRG received funds from various sources to assist eligible individuals and families who have found that their FEMA, insurance and personal resources are not enough to fully restore their primary home to a safe condition.

New roofs, electrical work, mold remediation, appliances, general repair of chimneys, crawl space and drywall, rent, storage and moving costs were funded through the LTRG to families who live in Ocean City, Wildwood, Erma, Villas, and West Wildwood. All of the recipients were extremely grateful for the assistance they received. The partners who shared the costs of assistance were the Salvation Army , the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Camden and Cape Counseling Services. Minor repair work was donated by Fox and Fox LLC of Upper Township.

Greg Speed, Chairperson of the LTRG, stated "It is really gratifying to see people being helped. There has been a lot of confusion with all of the programs available and we are glad that all the partners work together so well in Cape May County. Our funds are the last dollar in and we have seen the other agencies and case managers really step up to assist homeowners. The Cape May County Long Term Recovery Committee has obligated over $115,000 so far to 11 needy families, many of whom are senior citizens with minimal resources. We are even helping families who have received RREM and we are expecting more aid to follow."

The Cape May County LTRG has received funds from the Robin Hood Foundation, the United Way Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund, the American Red Cross, the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund, Church World Service and the United Church of Christ. Also, the LTRG works with other sources of assistance such as SSBG Home Repair And Advocacy Program and other state programs , as well as, Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, Cape Counseling, A Future with Hope and the Community Law Project and South Jersey Legal Services.

Cape May County residents whose primary home was damaged by Super Storm Sandy can call Matt Morrison, LTRG case manager at 609-675-1879 for further information.