Hurricane Sandy Update

With more than 230,000 New Jersey residents registering for federal assistance following Hurricane Sandy, Hope Force reservists working in Atlantic City chose to remain on the east coast during the Thanksgiving holiday and help those in need. ?We were truly amazed at the number of our reservists who came from all across the country, ready to serve with willing and loving hearts, and helping people who would otherwise be overlooked,? co-founder Cherie Minton said. So far, approximately 70 HFI volunteers have helped 15 homeowners with flood remediation in the inlet area and Venice Park areas of Atlantic City. There are hundreds of damaged homes in need, and each home requires a full day to complete.

In New Jersey, the median household income is around $30,000 and over 26 percent of residents live below the poverty level. Governor Chris Christie reported that more than 30,000 homes and businesses were destroyed or sustained structural damage. These residents were unable to afford flood insurance and are in great need of outside help. Early in the recovery process, co-founder Jack Minton expressed concern that many of these residents feared they would be overlooked by relief organizations. Currently, Hope Force is only non-profit agency working in Atlantic City. Yet, they aren?t completely alone in their efforts, as volunteers from a Family Worship Center in Pennsylvania joined forces with Hope Force earlier this month to minister to their neighbors. Among the volunteers were pastors, roofers, carpenters, electricians, doctors, nurses and students.

?We all went to join forces with an incredible team of people from all over the country to show the Love of Christ in a tangible way by helping meet felt needs for the residents of Atlantic City who feel they?ve been forgotten,? Reservist and leader of the volunteer group, Peg McMunn said. The volunteers removed sheetrock, wall board and paneling from moldy walls, chisled away at tiles on floors and walls, removed damaged furniture and carpet, visited homes, ran airport shuttles, and made themselves available to listen and pray with those who were suffering.

Jack Minton has called the work in Atlantic City a ?terrible privilege,? and the blessings given by Hope Force during the holiday are already beginning to be paid forward.

?I?m thinking about joining them,? homeowner Marsha Moore said, after her home was cleaned out by a team from Hope Force. ?I?ve been blessed, and I want to give blessings back.?