A new program to help seniors (Age 60 and older) and individuals with disabilities was launched today by the Christie Administration. The Home Repair and Advocacy program which focuses on primary homes damaged by Superstorm Sandy offers those eligible up to $5,000 and will be funded by an $8.2 million federal Social Services Block Grant (SSBG), and will be administered by the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) through Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs).
This program distinguishes itself from most other Sandy programs by including an advocacy component to help people who qualify, every step of the way. There also will be home repair coordinators in every county that will review, organize and approve the work with vendors, as necessary.
Eligible items under the program include
- Replacement of interior wall boards
- Mold remediation
- Restoration of heating and cooling systems
- Fixing electrical work
- Patching roofs
- Cutting and removal of trees
- Debris disposal
- Refurbishing of major home appliances.
If you are a Monmouth County resident you can apply for this program at the following location:
Monmouth County Division of Aging, Disabilities and Veterans Services (21 Main and Court CenterFreehold, NJ 07728) (732-431-7450)
For a list of other Area Agency on Aging in New Jersey click here
The program is designed to assist households in the nine most impacted counties, but because many people were displaced by the storm, individuals statewide can apply. Funding was distributed to the 21 AAAs based on a formula that includes the county population of individuals age 60 and older, and the number of housing units with major to severe damage.
Individuals in need of assistance should call 1-877-222-3737 or apply at their local AAA. The program is expected to begin repair work in the coming weeks and continue until funding is exhausted.
DHS Commissioner Jennifer Velez commented on the program, stating, “We know that many primary homeowners impacted by Superstorm Sandy are still struggling to recover, particularly as it relates to completing repairs and negotiating with insurance companies.” She continued, “The recovery process can be even more problematic for seniors and people with disabilities who have fixed incomes and may not have the ability to fulfill or comply with onerous insurance claim requirements.”