The Volunteer Center of
Bergen County has been awarded a $3.785 million contract by the Bergen County
Board of Chosen Freeholders to administer the Sandy Homeowner/Renter Assistance
Program (SHRAP), a temporary relief program to assist individuals and families
experiencing a housing crisis resulting from Superstorm Sandy.
The Volunteer Center
coordinates the Bergen County VOAD (Voluntary Organizations active in Disaster),
which established a Long Term Recovery project in Moonachie that has to date
provided assistance to hundreds of Bergen County residents impacted by the
storm.
SHRAP provides up to $15,000 for
mortgage, rent and utility payments over a period of six months to individuals
and families with Sandy-related expenses and also covers costs for certain
essential household items. Details about the program can be found at http://www.nj.gov/
“We
are pleased to be able to provide this service,” says Janet Sharma, executive
director of the Volunteer Center and chair of the VOAD. “Even this long
after Superstorm Sandy, many residents are still struggling. SHRAP will be
able to help many in their recovery efforts.”
In
addition to the SHRAP funds, the VOAD has received nearly $2 million in grants
from such private sources as the Robin Hood Foundation, Hurricane Sandy New
Jersey Relief Fund, Red Cross, Points of Light and several local and faith-based
organizations. Most of those funds have been allocated to assist residents
with rebuilding and other unmet needs.
To make an appointment to
apply for SHRAP, call the Hurricane Sandy Recovery Information Center in
Moonachie at (201) 906-6738.
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