FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Christie Administration to Host Superstorm Sandy Housing Expo for Storm Survivors Residing in FEMA Housing

Attendees Can Learn about Available Recovery Assistance and Rental Resources at March 20th Event


Trenton, NJ – The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is sponsoring a Superstorm Sandy Housing Expo to assist storm-displaced individuals and families who are still residing in temporary housing provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The housing fair will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 20 at Long Branch Middle School, 350 Indiana Avenue in Long Branch. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn about available Sandy recovery assistance and rental resources.

 

“Housing fairs such as these, coupled with our efforts to assist people in rebuilding their homes and increase the state’s long-term affordable rental housing stock, demonstrate the Christie Administration’s commitment to getting Sandy-impacted residents back in their homes,” said DCA Commissioner Richard E. Constable III. “DCA’s Superstorm Sandy Housing Expo will help families currently living in FEMA housing find safe, permanent housing and continue returning their lives back in order.”

Residents and families attending the housing expo will be able to meet with DCA Sandy Recovery Division staff about the Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Elevation and Mitigation (RREM) Program, which is that state’s largest housing recovery program. They can discuss mortgage and insurance issues with representatives from the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance; meet with FEMA representatives about flood zones, elevation requirements and flood insurance; and meet with representatives of the New Jersey Department of Human Services about the Sandy Homeowner and Renter Assistance Program (SHRAP), which provides up to $15,000 in assistance to storm-affected residents. The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA) will also show attendees how to utilize the New Jersey Housing Resource Center that it administers. The Housing Resource Center is a free service at www.NJHRC.gov for people in search of affordable housing and for landlords who are looking to provide housing. Additionally, staff from the American Red Cross, Monmouth County Long Term Recovery Group and the disaster case management team of Catholic Charities of New Jersey, Diocese of Trenton will be present.

Sandy-impacted people still living in FEMA housing who attend the housing fair can also learn more about the extension of FEMA’s Direct Housing Assistance program. Last week, FEMA announced that the assistance, which was scheduled to end on April 30, 2014, has been extended until August 31, 2014. Sandy-displaced homeowners who remain in FEMA temporary housing units at or near the former Fort Monmouth military base or in FEMA manufactured housing units will be charged fair market rent beginning May 1st.

Registration is recommended for the Superstorm Sandy Housing Expo, but is not required. To register, please call (609) 633-6606.

CONTACT:
Lisa Ryan
Sean Conner
(609) 292-6055