Community Corner

Project Recover Offers Help for Flood Survivors

Special meeting brought flooded-out homeowners together

A packed house filled Lake Hiawatha's onetime disaster donation center at 450 N. Beverwyck Road in Lake Hiawatha Thursday night as residents gathered to find continued assistance following the August floods.

The gathering, called Project Recover, presented trained counselors to offer general support and information on resources and services that can help flood survivors get back into their homes.

The people were there because about six months after Hurricane Irene hit Parsippany, many are still unable to return home. Some homeowners came looking for help in navigating bureaucratic red tape. Others, faced with a choice of elevating or demolishing their homes, came to get advice and information. Still others, who have begun home repairs, came to share or receive tips and best practices.

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Debbie Foody was in the latter group. The Lake Hiawatha resident, herself in the process of working on her home, offered recommendations to her neighbors for places geared to do-it-yourself builders.

Among her suggestions:

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  • e-Builder.net, a website offering software to help manage construction projects
  • PeakAuctions.com savings of up to 90 percent on lumber, siding, floor beams, doors, kitchens, bathrooms, tile, cabinets and more
  • Morris Habitat for Humanity ReStore  (102 Iron Mountain Road in Mine Hill), an offshoot of the organization that helps build affordable housing; the ReStore offers furniture and household items for sale at discount prices

The counselors at the Project Recover event represented Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Paterson, an agency that helped Parsippanians last year when the federal Disaster Recovery Center was in place at the local Police Athletic League building.

The agency provides two types of assistance, according to Team Leader Wendy Chin.

"We offer them a helping hand in dealing with FEMA and other agencies," Chin said. "We also provide counseling to help people cope with everything happening to them. Sometimes people just need a little support."

The meeting was put together by  of . The Checkes operated a  next door to their shop in an effort to help the community. Until recently, they collected and distributed a host of items to area families and individuals suffering because of the damage caused by Hurricane Irene: cleaning supplies, clothing, nonperishable foods, etc.

If you would like to help flood survivors in any way or if you are in need of assistance, call Landmark Floral at 973-316-8934. To learn more about Project Recover, call 973-279-8712. 


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