Monmouth County, NJ – Hurricane Sandy Disaster Recovery
Volunteers are still needed in New Jersey and especially in Monmouth and Ocean Counties as many individuals and families still remain displaced from Superstorm Sandy.
There were over 72,000 homes effected in New Jersey and many of these residents are still not recovered. Recovery has been slow due to a lack of personal funds, a lack in volunteerism and delays in the many state and local grants opportunities available. UCC Disaster Ministries has partnered with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and Lutheran Disaster Response to continue the work in NJ. Through this partnership each organization is providing resources and support for the ongoing work.
HOLMDEL UCC HURRICANE SANDY VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
Work Needed/Type of work: Repair/rebuild homes damaged by Superstorm Sandy. Work ranges from basic carpentry to sheetrock, flooring, painting, and finish molding. Sometimes, based on the volunteers’ skills, other jobs can be accomplished.
Site management: Site and construction management is being provided by UCC Disaster Ministries in partnership with LSMNJ Disaster Recovery.
Time: Arrive Sunday afternoon and depart Saturday morning; work Monday-Friday – or as mutually agreed on.
Minimum Age: 16 years
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:3
Maximum Group Size: 12
Accommodations: You will be housed in the Youth Room of our newly renovated Fellowship Hall. Cots will be provided. There is a lounge area with TV as well as pool and ping pong tables for your enjoyment. You will also have use of our full kitchen and beautiful backyard. There is one shower on site, but those over 18 will also be able to shower at the Fitness Center of Brookdale Community College – a 5-minute drive from the church. We are across the street from an excellent deli for breakfast and lunch, and within walking distance of a family restaurant/pizzeria. A supermarket is close by.
Location: Holmdel, NJ – approximately 15 minutes from Union Beach, Keyport and other Northern Monmouth County construction sites.
Required: Insurance certificate from the sending church and waiver forms (to be supplied).
Tools: Limited tools are available at the construction sites, but groups should plan to bring their own tools when possible.
Cost: $20/person/night
Meals: If desired, we will provide pizza on the first night and one dinner (on a mutually agreeable day). Groups will be expected to purchase and prepare all other meals.
Scheduling process/contact: Joy Blazak, LSMNJ Disaster Recovery Housing Manager:(office) 848-206-2551. Email: jblazak@lsmnj.org
HURRICANE SANDY VOLUNTEER INFORMATION: HOUSING IN CAMP EVANS, WALL, N.J.
Work Needed: Repair/rebuild homes damaged by Superstorm Sandy. Work ranges from basic carpentry to sheetrock, flooring, painting, and finish molding. Sometimes, based upon the volunteers skills, other job needs can be accomplished.
Site management: Site and construction management is being provided by UCC Disaster Ministries in partnership with local recovery agencies, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, and Lutheran Disaster Response.
Time: Arrive Sunday afternoon and depart Saturday morning; work Monday – Friday
Minimum Age: 16 years (senior high age groups accepted)
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:3
Maximum Group Size: 60
Accommodations: Camp Evans in Wall, NJ is a “brand new” 144 bed facility built after Sandy. The facility has 3 large bunk rooms (separated by gender), bathrooms, 2 TV areas, wifi, a game room, computer room, cafeteria room, kitchen trailer, and 2 shower trailers each with a washer and a dryer. The building is located within a gated facility that has plenty of parking and outdoors space.
Required: Insurance certificate from the sending church and waiver forms
Tools: Limited tools are available on site but groups should plan to bring their own tools when possible
Cost: $20 per person per night (includes access to all Camp Evans amenities)
Meals: Groups will be expected to purchase and prepare their own meals
Scheduling: 866-732-6121 or pda.callcenter@pcusa.org
Education Components:
- Preparation for the trip: “Mission Trips That Matter” by Don C. Richter, Upper Room Books
- On-Site Reflection: “Meeting God in the Ruins: Devotions for Disaster Volunteers” Free copies may be ordered from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America by calling 800.638.3522 ext. 2580 (ISBN 6-0001-6788-1); pay shipping only.
- Follow-Up Action: Help your local community prepare for possible disaster and response. Be sure your congregation has a plan in case of local disaster (View sample plan). Get to know your UCC Conference Disaster Coordinator and stay involved.