Sloatsburg — When Hurricane Irene hit Rockland County at the end of August, the Ramapo River, swollen from summer rains, ran swiftly through central Sloatsburg, spilling its banks and flooding homes and businesses. For days afterward the village was alive with uniformed workers; firemen pumping out flooded basements, police and national guardsmen keeping order and directing traffic; phone and electrical crews repairing downed lines. Even now, months later, many residents are still recovering, if not materially then emotionally.
A new Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) program is underway throughout the Hudson Valley to aid residents in recovering from the storm’s substantial effects. “This program was started specifically to help those hit hardest by Hurricane Irene,” said Project Hope Rockland Team Leader Debbie Kelly. The free crisis counseling service is provided by the Mental Health Association of Rockland County, funded by FEMA and under the direction of the NYS Office of Mental Health.
“My main job with this program is to assist businesses, individuals and families in the challenges they face in recovering from Hurricane Irene,” Kelly said. “It can be emotional for people, and the FEMA process can be very confusing. Many people who suffered damage are not even aware that they may be eligible for assistance, especially rental assistance. We’re going door to door in some areas. We’re also giving brief presentations at schools and libraries to let residents know about the program.”
Kelly said Project Hope is reaching out especially to people in the hardest hit areas of Rockland County which include Squires Gate in Suffern, neighborhoods in West Nyack, and along the central village corridor in Sloatsburg. Kelly encouraged people who may be in need to respond.
Additionally, FEMA has extended its deadline for people in New York to register for federal disaster assistance. Those affected by either Hurricane Irene or Tropical Storm Lee this past summer now have until December 15 to register with FEMA. Assistance may include grants to help pay for temporary housing needs and home repairs or other storm-related expenses not covered by insurance.
For more information on Project Hope or to reach Debbie Kelly, call 845/642-5124. To register with FEMA, call the helpline at 800/621-3362. Additional information on Project Hope can be found here.
