Super Storm Sandy Response

When Hurricane Sandy struck the East Coast in October 2012, Hope Force had responders on the ground within days of the disaster. After weeks of assisting homeowners in flood clean up and emotional/spiritual care, the leaders of Atlantic City invited Hope Force to join them in creating a long-term recovery center to meet ongoing needs of flood survivors.

Since January, Project Director Craig Snow has led a team of Hope Force Reservists, local volunteers and staff in establishing the Atlantic City Long Term Recovery Group. Caseworkers meet with homeowners, helping them navigate paperwork, listening to their stories and providing concrete steps forward in their journey to recovery and hope. Hope Force staff member, Glenda Bashor, juggles spreadsheets, phone calls and calendars, coordinating volunteers coming to help with rebuilding homes. Skilled construction workers meet with homeowners to assess damage and map out repair plans.

Hope Force Reservists staff most key roles in establishing systems and procedures. Each week, Craig marvels at how Reservists continue to arrive with the exact skills needed for various projects. Recently, a new staff member with non-profit and grant experience joined the team ? right as deadlines loomed on a number of grant applications. 

Now, HFI has been joined by local residents at the Recovery Center who are eager to see their city helped.

Hope Force plans to remain active in the recovery process in Atlantic City. If you are interested in joining the Long Term Recovery Team, or serving in any capacity to help rebuild Atlantic City, please contact Glenda Bashor at Glenda.bashor@hopeforce.org for details.