Community Corner
Long Term Recovery Groups in Place to Assist Sandy Survivors Still in Need
Groups have been set up throughout the state, including in Atlantic County and Atlantic City.
Fifteen Long Term Recovery Groups (LTRG’s) have been set up throughout the state to assist survivors of Hurricane Sandy who have remaining unmet needs and limited options, the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM) announced on Wednesday.
LTRG’s provide assistance or resources for disaster survivors beyond the limits permitted by government-based disaster recovery programs, and they have the support of NJOEM, according to Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the NJ State Police and State Director of the NJ Office of Emergency Management.
“We are grateful to the member organizations who have organized to lend various types of expertise and capacity to disaster survivors such as rebuilding or clean-up assistance, replacing appliances or furniture, and counseling,” Fuentes said in a prepared statement. “They are a critical part of the long-term recovery process.”
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The LTRG’s consist of representatives from private non-profit agencies, local businesses, faith-based groups, and government agencies who are vested in the community’s healing and regaining a sense of normalcy, Fuentes said.
LTRG’s offer casework management for disaster survivors, provide construction management expertise, assist with volunteer or donations management, conduct counseling or spiritual care, and offer other types of help in removing barriers to long-term recovery.
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They are committed to maintaining fiscal controls, reporting on the funds they receive and how they are spent, and communicating with the disaster survivors about services and resources available.
New Jersey LTRG’s have received funding from the Robin Hood Foundation, the American Red Cross, the United Way, the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund, World Renew, the Community Action Partnership and various types of assistance from private and non-profit sector organizations.
Those in need in Atlantic County can contact the local LTRG at 609-289-7228. Those in need in Atlantic City specifically can call 609-348-3580.
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