HOBOKEN TO OPEN HURRICANE RESOURCE CENTER
In order to continue to assist residents and businesses impacted by Hurricane Sandy, the City of Hoboken will open a Hurricane Resource Center (HRC) on Monday, March 4, 2013. The center is located at a storefront at 251 1st Street and will be open on Sundays (12pm-4pm) and Mondays through Wednesdays (4pm-8pm).
“The process to rebuild continues, and we are here to help those who are still recovering from Hurricane Sandy,” said Mayor Dawn Zimmer. “Most importantly, we need to hear from those who still need help, and we want them to know that resources are available.”
The HRC will provide information on where to turn for assistance for those affected by Hurricane Sandy. Workshops and one-on-one sessions will be held in the center on a weekly basis. It will serve as an “intake” location where homeowners, renters, and business owners can come to ask questions and to provide information on their unmet needs, such as help with rebuilding or a need for donations to replace damaged items. Through the center, the City will work to match the unmet needs of the community with the resources offered by various agencies and non-profit organizations. Residents and businesses can also provide their information via the online survey at www.hobokennj.org/sandysurvey.
Significant federal assistance in the form of grants may be available for individuals and businesses. To ensure eligibility for any potential federal assistance, it is vital to register with FEMA and the Small Business Administration. The deadline for registering for federal assistance has been extended through April 1, 2013. Additional information on grant opportunities will be shared through the HRC as it becomes available.
The center has private rooms so that those seeking assistance can feel comfortable sharing information in a more private setting, if necessary. Additionally, the HRC will serve as a location for volunteers to sign up, be trained, and paired with those in need of certain skill sets.
During the week of March 4th, the center will host a non-profit organization that specializes in home repair fraud prevention. The National Center for the Prevention of Home Improvement Fraud will be available to answer questions and offer advice about the rebuilding process, how to select a contractor, and more. The hours are:
· March 4: 4pm-8pm
· March 5: 12pm-8pm
· March 6: 12pm-8pm
· March 7: 8am-4pm
· March 8: 8am-4pm
· March 9: 9am-12pm
The center will also host New Jersey Hope and Healing, which will have licensed professional counselors and social workers on site Mondays and Tuesdays from 4pm to 8pm. On Tuesdays from 6pm to 7pm, they will be offering a support group for those affected by Sandy in hopes of teaching stress management and coping skills. Children are also welcome, as they can provide sessions on natural disaster preparedness.