Now that the organization has its own not-for-profit status established, the Rebuild Hoboken Relief Fund is poised to distribute aid to families and businesses who were affected by Hurricane Sandy. With donations topping $250,000, the organization will start to distribute grants to qualified applicants beginning in February.
To qualify for grants, applicants must have a Hoboken address and have storm-related, out-of-pocket expenses of at least $5,000 after receiving insurance and FEMA payouts.
The grant will be determined by dividing the amount of money raised by the fund as of Feb. 1, 2013, so payouts may end up less than the maximum – depending on the number of eligible applicants, officials said at a press conference on Tuesday.
Groups continue to help raising money for the fund. Musicians will band together for a holiday benefit concert on Thursday, Dec. 20, starting at 6:30 PM at Maxwell's. Local and area performers include Chris Butler, Karen Kuhl, The Gefkens, Dave Calamoneri, Elena Skye & Boo Riners of The Demolition String Band, Tammy Faye Starlite, Jon & Deena of the Cucumbers, Julio Fernandez, Gene D. Plumber, Abbe Rivers. Jim Testa and Annalee Van Kleeck
Mayor Dawn Zimmer has estimated that Hoboken residents and businesses incurred an estimated $100 million worth of damage from the storm that flooded much of the city on Oct. 29 and left families and businesses without power for a week.
A gala fundraiser held by the Relief Fund itself is planned for Jan. 26 at the Hoboken Terminal with musical and other entertainment.
To apply online or learn more about the fund and fundraising events, visit Rebuild Hoboken Relief Fund. The deadline for applications is Jan. 20, 2013 and can be submitted via email at relief@nullRebuildHoboken.org or mailed to Rebuild Hoboken Relief Fund, 518 Park Avenue, Apt 1R, Hoboken, NJ, 07030.