Volunteer-Fueled Sandy Housing Rebuild Continues

Almost one year after Super Storm Sandy ravaged the Jersey Shore, there are still many people whose lives remain disrupted and have not returned to normal.

Coastal Habitat for Humanity continues to work to help affected families rebuild their homes, with a goal to rebuild or restore 700 Sandy-damaged homes through its Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative program, which is estimated to take up to seven years.

“I think sometimes people forget since it’s been almost a year,” Ollie T. Lowery, Jr., Coastal Habitat for Humanity Construction Manager, said in a release. “Our goal is to help them get back in their homes so they can go back to normal as quickly as possible no matter how long it takes.”

More than 30 employees of OceanFirst Bank have volunteered their time and have spent several days rebuilding floors, painting walls, remodeling bathrooms, kitchens and other living areas … whatever is needed to restore the shore communities, according to the release.

“Most of our 400+ OceanFirst Bank employees live along the shore and have been affected by this storm in one way or another, so we know exactly what our neighbors are going through,’’ said Joseph LaDuca, OceanFirst Bank Senior Vice President and Controller. “We are proud to pull together and help each other in any way we can.”