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.