Thursday, August 15, 2013

Hurricane Sandy Progress

by Kristin Smith

The Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund has been working hard since its founding on November 2, of 2012, only five days after Sandy hit. This independent non-profit organization, headed by First Lady Mary Pat Christie, is dedicated to helping families, small businesses, and communities that are still affected by the devastation of the storm.  The organization focuses on four major areas: rehabilitation of affected homes, social services, including mental health initiatives, financial and legal counseling, and development of small businesses. 

Nine months later, the charity’s success has been remarkable.  The fund raised $38 million dollars, and has to date allocated $15 million in grants to New Jersey non-profit organizations working with New Jersey relief-efforts. $1 million has been awarded to six different county-based Long Term Recovery Committees, including Bergen County!  The progress of the HSNJRF appreciated and, fortunately, is not stopping any time soon.

To date, the Bergen County Long Term Recovery Committee, which is headed by the Volunteer Center of Bergen County, has received $600,000 in grants from the Hurricane Sandy NJ Relief Fund, and another grant request of more than $1 million is under review.

To learn more about the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund, visit http://sandynjrelieffund.org.

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