Video: Residents See Hope in Shore Recovery

Ryan Meyers December 25, 2012 at 12:41 pm

Everyone has been so generous, helping out where they can. Just so sad to hear stories about individuals that take "gift cards" intended for those that really need them.

Beach_N8iv December 25, 2012 at 01:23 pm

Jersey Strong

Concerned December 25, 2012 at 02:50 pm

I know I've seen it first hand, rental assistance also.big $ too, it's no wonder why so many are luxury cars are being bought up around here, human nature is when u get something you didn't deserve you blow it quickly

1 step @ a time December 25, 2012 at 09:02 pm

I see it every day, working at a bank people depositing checks from FEMA. Me wanting to hear there story (being I'm displaced myself) and there is no story just selfish people cheating the system. Meanwhile So many of us struggling day by day w/ no help at all. SMH. On a positive note everyone working so hard on the island what a wonderful story:)

KJ on the Bay December 25, 2012 at 11:30 pm

Good luck Seaside! We wish you the very best - we are Jersey Strong!

Gale Quinn December 25, 2012 at 11:58 pm

Well Keith, I guess that no news is good new seven if it is Christmas or a weekend. Hope you are having wonderful Christmas..

Debra December 26, 2012 at 03:18 pm

Sandy destroyed my home. My family can't live there. We have had to find and pay for 2 one bedroom apartments, rental housing, split up, on top of the mortgage payment for the home we can't occupy. The flood insurance company will not provide the funding needed to repair the home any time soon. FEMA denied us any assistance even though we registered for assistance. We have not received help nor even concern from anyone. It has been just the opposite. We did not even receive FEMA assistance for temporary housing even though we registered with FEMA. I have been shocked by the lack of concern, and even anger, hatred and ill treatment by anyone from which we asked for any help. I have been given the run around by the insurance company. I'm still expected to pay property tax on a home my family can not occupy. There seems to be no hope in sight in my experience. The attention and funding has directed to business owners, not to modest working class homeowners like myself. Even the Mayor of the town where my destroyed home is located, stated to us in a townhall meeting recently, that recovery for us homeowners will only happen on our own, with no help from any of the Government agencies. This has been an unfortunate wake up call for me. I have learn through this experience that even if a homeowner has been paying the Government agencies taxes, and paid large flood insurance premuims, no help for recovery will be forthcoming.

Tina December 26, 2012 at 04:35 pm

From what I understand Fema will only cover what the insurance companies will not. Have you thought of applying for the SBA loan for business owners, homeowners and renters?

Debra December 26, 2012 at 05:48 pm

Thank you, yes I have applied for the SBA Loan for disaster assistance for home owners. My home has already been inspected for the SBA Loan. I await their decision. They have told me the process takes several weeks at least. Also, another aspect of all of this, maybe the most important, is the elevation requirement for homes in the now "V" coded areas. There doesn't seem to be an entity that can or will make a decision about allowing property owners to rebuild in these areas. I think the effected municipalities, counties, and states, should be made to stop allowing recurring rebuilding in these areas just for the purpose of receiving property taxes. It makes no sense to me. I think recurring flood plain real estate should be repurposed to prevent this. I personnally do not want to go through this again. The correct mitigative decision regarding this issue never seems to be made by our elected officials. Maybe Sandy was not a big enough storm disaster to get everyone attention, therefore, the attention of our elected officials to once and for all do the right thing and repurpose the Jersey Shore, Bayshore areas.

Sherry December 26, 2012 at 07:45 pm

Hi Debra,
I don't know you, but I feel like I need to help you in some way, I don't have alot but want to help in some way, do you have children that could use something or do you need something, I feel so bad that no one has helped you, where are you located, also if you need food, cleaning supplies etc, my church is helping out people that need food, etc, its at New Beginnings Christian Church 236 Brick Blvd. Brick#732-451-0777, please let me know if you need anything & I will see if I can help you, may God Bless you & your family & you are in my prayers

Maureen Miller December 27, 2012 at 01:21 am

Hi Derbra...I feel so bad for you and your family. Your story brings back many painful memories for me and my family. In 2004 I lost a home to flooding caused by hurricane Ivan while living in Bucks County, Pa. We had flood insurance with separate contents coverage. We had 4 hours notice to evacuate and left never dreaming our entire home would be destroyed. We too had to continue to pay a mortgage and property taxes on a home that was uninhabitable. FEMA is a joke!!!! We were awarded $275 for emergency shelter (which covers about 1 night in a hotel) and no further assistance because we had flood insurance. Getting a loan through the SBA hardly seems fair. It's difficult to fathom adding debt to the existing expenses. We were reimbursed through our flood insurance policy, but even that was disappointing. Our loss was deemed to be not a total loss although all we had left standing was the basement, the roof and the fireplace chimney in between. Ultimately, we made the decision to sell the property without making the improvements and that was at a loss as well. But for our peace of mind it was worth it. I would not be able to live through that nightmare twice. Relocated back to the jersey shore area to a home that does not require flood insurance, but we carry it anyway. Best of luck to you & your family. Will keep in you in our prayers.

PJ Ortley December 27, 2012 at 04:58 am

Debra,
Not sure what town you are in, but there are Disaster funds helping in some areas - and more in the process of being set up. Also, just because FEMA denies $ for housing does not mean no. You need to meet in person with a FEMA rep and explain again, then appeal too. If I read your story correctly you are eligible for FEMA rental assistance - usually about $1000 to $1400 a month depending on circumstances. (Yes, I waited in line for 4 hours at the FEMA office back in November and pleaded our case before we got assistance).

Leonard Schillaci January 3, 2013 at 02:56 pm

from a public adjuster perspective Debra you should take this approach..keep logs notes letters and all news and or notices from parties involved..in short build your case..just in case it gets legal. Unfortunately this will take time but the upside (if any) is there are many in the same state of limbo. You may be able to get extensions for your claim too...If you have any other ?'s or concerns feel free to contact me..Leonard 704 491 2821

Leonard Schillaci January 3, 2013 at 02:57 pm

from a public adjuster perspective Debra you should take this approach..keep logs notes letters and all news and or notices from parties involved..in short build your case..just in case it gets legal. Unfortunately this will take time but the upside (if any) is there are many in the same state of limbo. You may be able to get extensions for your claim too...If you have any other ?'s or concerns feel free to contact me..Leonard 704 491 2821

hongfeng January 4, 2013 at 03:10 am

http://www.coachoutletonlinebfd.com/ Coach Outlet Online
http://www.guccibeltstb.com/ Gucci Belt http://www.coachoutletonlinetdy.com/ Coach Outlet sStore Online http://www.cocoachoutletonline.org/ Coach Outlet Online http://www.coachoutletonlinetsy.net/ Coach Online Outlet