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.