Sandy - New Jersey, June,2013 - 4

      Last week's trip included working at 3 separate properties in 3 days. All the work was similar- drywalling (at varying stages). The types of houses varied from a small beach bungalow to a sizable residence on a lagoon. Regardless of the type or size of the property- drywalling is all very much the same. It was probably the most challenging trip weather-wise thus far- (90+ degree weather for all 3 days) but it did help being sunny, at least.

      The more we do these projects the more apparent it becomes that it's not about the type or the amount of work we do, but it's more about the people we are there to help. One enlightening "for instance" was when the homeowners visited the property on the final day. Before seeing any of the work we had accomplished in the 3 days, we heard them say as they approached "Oh great- people are here!". That tells us not only that they are not there to inspect or approve our work, rather it shows they haven't had much help since the storm (which happened some 8 months ago now) and they are overjoyed simply at the sight of people showing up to assist. That's the most rewarding part of this type of work.

Route 35 in Ortley Beach: October 2012

Route 35 in Ortley Beach:  June 2013

 

Sandy - New Jersey - June, 2013-3

We have a trip back to the Jersey shore planned for 3 days next week . Similar to last trip, we already have scheduled sites and work descriptions (tape and mudding at two houses with newly hung drywall). This relatively small bit of information is very helpful in preparation, both mentally and physically, knowing what tools to bring and how to prepare. It has become apparent that being prepared for specific jobs is instrumental in completing the assigned tasks efficiently, quickly and thoroughly. There are no scheduled trips for our group in July, so we are hoping to have a successful trip before the hiatus. Below is an example of a home being raised to comply with the new flood requirements.

"House-Jacking" - An increasingly common sight in New Jersey shore point communities.

Sandy - New Jersey - June, 2013-2

    Yesterday, we finished 3 days of disaster relief at the Jersey Shore. Having been there only in the off-season before, the post-Memorial Day vibe is a little more lively. I'm sure vacation season and the warm, sunny weather helps with that too. We had a full schedule for the 3 days, completing tasks at 4 different houses.

    It was our first exposure to 'shore point' locations, but all the homes we worked on were being restored as at least temporary primary residences for their owners. However, it does bring up the dilemma of working on second homes. One way to look at it is to consider that we are there to help the community at-large and not simply the owners of the homes we are restoring. Meeting the owners and hearing their personal stories is a very big part of our work, and an inspiration for our group. Without the backstory we are simply subcontractors on a construction site, and that is missing the purpose of the mission. Thankfully, that has not happened thus far. As a group, we have made a personal connection with every one of the homeowners we have worked for since December, which numbers in double digits at this point.

   In contrast to the damage on Staten Island, the beachfront homes in New Jersey have alot more hurricane (wind) damage as opposed to flooding. The damage is sporadic, depending on where the dunes were breached by the storm surge. Inland, however, most of the damage to homes is more uniform, mostly from flooding or damage caused by fallen trees.

   All things considered, so far our group has had successful trips despite many chances of failure. There have been multiple 'close calls' due mostly to mis-communication, broken promises, and non-communication. Persistence, determination and 'thinking on-the-fly' have been the keys to successful trips. I'll put it this way, I have not yet once volunteered where I wasn't completely exhausted at the end of each day.

Sandy - New Jersey - June, 2013-1

Tomorrow is the first day of a 3-day trip to Manasquan, NJ. A full three days has already been planned out, which is new to the process. Having worked together for a number of months now, it is easier to predict what our group can accomplish in 3 days. The tricky part with this trip is that we are at a different site each day, preventing 'spill over' of tasks from one day to the next, along with having each site cleared and truck completely packed at the end of the day. It seems like it will be a more efficient way to work, and we can probably accomplish more even with the 'set-up' and 'break-down' time on each day.

Damage on the Point Pleasant boardwalk from Superstorm Sandy.

Sandy - Staten Island Day Trip, May 2013 - 2

Yesterday, we spent a day working at the house on Staten Island we volunteered at earlier in the month. The travel time involved with a day trip and material runs widdles down the actual work hours quite a bit. Our objective was pretty simple: set up and fill two 2'x4' flower boxes. Planting the boxes was the fun part, prepping the area was the tougher portion of the task. With the survivor's guidance we rummaged over several damaged items, once hoped to be salvageable, realizing only a handful of items could possibly be kept. This was a much needed task to help restore her once magnificent front yard and property, and something that she would most likely not undertake without our coaxing. The new planters are a nice addition and a colorful band-aid to the front yard, but even more of a poignant symbol of the homeowner moving forward after the storm.

Superstorm Sandy : A Live Town Hall

A fairly comprehensive live town hall meeting was held last night in two locations (Monmouth College and NYC). The 2 hour program addressed a broad range of questions regarding superstorm Sandy and the recovery effort.


Click here to watch the entire broadcast:
http://watch.thirteen.org/video/2365013063


One statistic, which came up on the program, which I found to be very revealing is the number of homes severely or completely destroyed by the storm. The estimated number of houses is 365,000... in New Jersey ALONE. I had heard (and blogged) a stat previously of 10,000 homes (for both NJ & NY) ... BIG difference!
I'm sure all the numbers will become clearer as the smoke (and sand) clears in months to come. The one thing that is certain after watching the program last night is Sandy was a 'once in a lifetime' and powerful storm, but nothing compared to the determination and will of the people it has affected.

Sandy - Staten Island Day Trip, May 2013 - 1

We returned for a day trip to Staten Island to check up on a Sandy survivor, who's home we worked on in December. Almost all of the debris from homes on the street that were completely destroyed in the storm has been removed. With the debris removed you begin to realize the appeal of this scenic place. Standing among the reeds and exposed to the ocean wildlife it is hard to believe you are actually standing in one of the five boroughs of New York City. The story on the inside of the home is quite different though. The homeowner has been living in the deconstructed home for the past two months. Other options for living just have not panned out and this is her only alternative. We were there to help out with a few necessities and a plumber was also on site installing a toilet and tub, which she had been without. The heater is functioning but with walls like swiss cheese, it is doing little more than circulating the air. The several pets living in the home contribute to the poor air quality as well. It was a successful day work-wise. We accomplished everything we set out to do including: installing a window air conditioner, a new 'kitchen' sink, patching and replacing some exterior sheathing with plywood, installing a filter in the heater, and installing a lock for the exterior basement door. As soon as we arrived, we noticed a lot of other 'livable' items that needed to be done. Besides having a small group, and little time, any work being done to the home is in question due to the potential buyout in her area. Her best course of action is to leave, but right now there are no real options for her. If a buyout happens it will not be realized soon, so it is something that should not be a deciding factor for moving. The pets, while being great companions are a roadblock for relocation. 'Where' and 'When' are very big question marks in her life right now.