Recovery from Hurricane Sandy continues

County-sponsored workshop offers solutions and guidance to local homeowners

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Nearly four years after Hurricane Sandy there are still homeowners facing challenges to their mental and financial wellbeing.

The Sandy Recovery Through Education Forum held on Aug. 9 at the Five Towns Community Center in Lawrence featured a series of presentations to answer questions and provide solutions for those continuing to restore their lives after Sandy.

“I estimate recovery to continue at least another five years,” Michael Raab, Nassau County’s storm recovery liaison, said. Raab said that the feedback from these type of forums has been “incredible” because it is an unbiased presentation with resources that are relevant to homeowners at this point in time. He said one of his rules is that attendees are not allowed to leave unless they have all their answers.

Beginning at 6:30 p.m., each of the following topics was addressed in approximately 10- minute long sessions. Subjects of discussion included: mental health and stress reduction; legal rights during recovery; FEMA mitigation and National Flood Insurance Program assistance; buying flood insurance; challenging your real estate taxes; contractor and design professional fraud; the relationship between homeowner, design professional and contractor; building department and New York Rising; home elevation and accessibility; recovery budget management; home/project financing options; SBA loan opportunities; and resilience, preparedness and future disaster planning.

“We think we found some answers here,” said East Rockaway resident, Jim Morris, who attended the seminar with his wife. Morris said that they have been at a standstill in their recovery effort.

Jane Collins, the social work supervisor for Catholic Charities, presented the first topic of discussion, mental health and stress reduction. She highlighted the Disaster Action Response Team at Catholic Charities that provides free counseling to children and adults affected by Hurricane Sandy. “People are still struggling to move forward,” she said. “They don’t realize that they need the help.”

Little Stars of Hope offers free individual counseling, play groups, assessments, training, referrals and yoga classes for children and their caregivers still coping with the effects of Sandy. Outreach Coordinator, Rachael Mina, of Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc., attended the workshop to raise awareness of the Little Stars of Hope grant program funded by the Office of Children and Family Services for children up to age seven.

Meadowmere Park resident Bobby Henry had had two homes wiped out by Sandy and was lucky enough to use his expertise to rebuild both within a couple of months. One of the homes was lifted, Henry said. A construction consultant for Westbury-based Zucaro Construction that specializes in house lifting, he said that the company works with homeowner regarding what work needs to be done and where homeowners can live while their house is undergoing reconstruction.

Raab said that the stress associated with rebuilding after Sandy is overwhelming to people. He believes what these workshop aim to ease the burden by providing useful resources that can informs homeowners of what they can and should be doing to advance their recovery process. “Education is empowering,” Raab said. “Once you know something you can make wise decisions.”

For more information on storm recovery relief, contact Raab at either (516) 572-1395 or mraab@nassaucountyny.gov.