Few of us could imagine being without our home for a short time, let alone for almost two years. The P. Family in Broad Channel, Queens is one such family, forced to evacuate during Hurricane Sandy in October, 2012. Once the waters receded they were left with a sodden mess that was ultimately beyond repair. For the past 18+ months they have argued with agency after agency and finally received permission to have their home torn down and a modular home put in its place. When the Barnert Memorial Temple in Franklin Lakes, NJ entrusted the Good People Fund with several thousand dollars this past spring it was with the hope that we would find a worthy family still struggling with the effects of the storm.
Though their modular home (which comes with no power or water hook-up) was ultimately delivered that was just the beginning. With federal funds slow to arrive, if at all, the family was caught in a difficult bind until we stepped in with the Barnert Temple funds, augmented by our own contribution.
Two weeks ago we approved the plumbing contract they signed. The Good People Fund agreed to cover approximately $5000 over and above the donated Barnert funds so that this family might soon be able to go home. Today, the plumbing contractor informed me that the work was complete!
Will the family get home before the second anniversary of Hurricane Sandy?