The Staten Island Community and Interfaith Long-Term Recovery Organization recently sponsored a fair to help residents of one of the areas hit hardest by Hurricane Sandy adjust to the “new normal” and to address concerns about how to get the help rebuilding that they were promised.
Many Staten Island Residents Still Need Help & Direction
Those were the words used by Paul Kosinski, a deacon and director of community outreach for Project Hospitality. According to SILive.com, Kosinski said, “People are still suffering from the effects of the storm eight months later. [They] feel depressed and they’re beyond frustration. They’re on the verge of giving up. They still don’t have answers about how to settle into their new normal.”
According to SILive.com, while residents appeared to be encouraged by the fair’s organization and planning, many of them felt that they did not get the help they were seeking.
Here’s what some attendees said:
- “I came here to ask FEMA questions (about grant monies) and [the representative] couldn’t get online,” said Dianne Hague, whose family lost three homes on Quincy Avenue in Ocean Breeze during Hurricane Sandy.
- “I am here to talk to a FEMA representative. When I call on the telephone I don’t get answers,” said Raymond Fantino, a storm victim from South Beach who said he is awaiting answers about an appeal to a FEMA claim.
The fair, which was held at Staten Island’s St. Christopher’s Church Community Center, included disaster case managers and workers from various organizations, including the Red Cross, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Project Hospitality and more.
How Can Belluck & Fox Help You?
Hurricane Sandy victims shouldn’t have to adjust to a “new normal” – at least when it comes to homeowners’ insurance claims. If your insurance company has denied your legitimate homeowner’s claim, delayed your payment or offered you less than what you’re entitled to, contact Belluck & Fox today. Our bad faith insurance lawyers understand what it takes to deal with insurance companies and the tactics they often use to frustrate policyholders into giving up. How can Belluck & Fox help you? Call today for a free consultation.