Two Federal Emergency Management Agency centers opened in New Jersey to provide financial aid to residents impacted by superstorm Sandy.
If you need assistance head to the Disaster Recovery Center at 30 Mechanic Street in Cape May Court House from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is also a center opened at Drum Point Elementary School in Brick Township. Both centers will be open on Monday from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
“Hopefully there’s some help out there for the removal of the trees,” said Dan Fenimore.
Fenimore stood in line with others in Cape May Court House hoping that he qualified for much needed federal assistance to pay for the damage left by Sandy at his Swaiton home.
Here is what you will need to apply for assistance:
- Social Security number (including your spouse's)
- Private insurance information
- Address and zip code of the damaged property
- Daytime telephone number
- Address where you can get mail
- If you want assistance funds sent to your bank, you will need to provide your bank account number (savings or checking) and routing number
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie announced Sunday that state and federal hotlines are now open to New Jersey residents in all 21 counties, health care workers and first responders that need help managing stress in the wake of Sandy. If you need assistance, call the Disaster Mental Health Helpline at (877) 294-4357.
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
In addition to the hotline, Gov. Christie and First Lady Mary Pat Christie launched the "Sandy NJ Relief Fund" Saturday. You can make donations online at the website to help with recovery efforts.
“As recovery efforts continue, we know that even greater needs will become apparent for our families who have been impacted so deeply and extensively by this disaster,” said Governor Christie. “New Jerseyans are not only tough and resilient – as we’ve already seen powerfully through the storm and initial recovery period – they are caring, generous and kind. Above all, we are a community and we take care of each other. As the recovery proceeds over the weeks and months, this fund – and now this website – will give fellow New Jerseyans and those around the country an avenue to contribute to our efforts to assist our neighbors and communities through the recovery period.”
"Hurricane Sandy has brought unthinkable devastation to parts of our Garden State, destroying homes, businesses and some of New Jersey’s most identifiable icons,” said First Lady Mary Pat Christie, who serves as Chair of the Fund. “The images and stories of the damage are heartbreaking. In the aftermath, we must support and help our friends, neighbors and so many others impacted by the storm. The Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund is an important ways to help our citizens rebuild their lives."
Gov. Christie called Sandy one of the worst storms to ever hit New Jersey. Twenty-three deaths have been reported so far and 6,800 people remain in shelters. Residents of New Jersey who are in shelters and cannot return to their homes due to storm damage may be able to stay in hotels or motels until more suitable accommodations are available under a federal program, the Federal Emergency Management Agency said Saturday.
Many New Jersey Shore residents returned to their homes this weekend to survey the damage and clean up after evacuation orders were lifted.
“Devastating! It’s like a war zone here,” said homeowner Jim Murray of Reeds Beach, New Jersey.
More centers are expected to open in New Jersey in the coming days to help residents get cash, food assistance and apply for other federal help.
FEMA says so far $31 million in federal aid has been approved for New Jersey residents. If you need assistance call (800) 621-3362 or go to the FEMA website.
