American Red Cross awards $2 million grant to Habitat for Humanity International
Grant to support Superstorm Sandy recovery program in New Jersey
TINTON FALLS, N.J. (July 10, 2013) – The American Red Cross today awarded a 2 million grant to Habitat for Humanity International to repair homes damaged by Superstorm Sandy across the state of New Jersey.
“We are grateful to the American Red Cross for partnering with us to help families whose homes were damaged as a result of Hurricane Sandy,” said Sue Henderson, vice president for U.S. and Canada, Habitat for Humanity International. “Together we are working to get families back into their homes as part of our long-term recovery work in New Jersey.”
Habitat for Humanity International has developed a broad regional strategy in response to the devastation caused by Superstorm Sandy and is working with five local Habitat affiliates throughout the state to support and enable recovery and long-term sustainability of low-income affected families. This 2 million grant from the Red Cross will be used to help repair at least 90 primary residences in partnership with families across Atlantic, Bergen, Monmouth and Ocean counties.
“Housing issues continue to be the most urgent need for Sandy survivors in New Jersey and a priority for our Red Cross recovery efforts,” said Nancy Orlando, regional CEO American Red Cross South Jersey Region. “Together the Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity will enable many New Jersey families to rebuild who would not otherwise have been able to do so.”
Donations to the Red Cross after Superstorm Sandy have led to clear signs of progress and hope throughout New Jersey eight months after the storm. In addition to the grants announced today, as of July 2013, the Red Cross has partnered with numerous organizations to support the recovery of families and communities affected by Sandy, including the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, Operation Hope, the Points of Light Foundation and the Greater New Jersey United Methodist Church. The Sandy recovery efforts include housing assistance, case management, mental health services, volunteer coordination and construction services. Additional community grants will be announced in the weeks ahead.
More information on the Red Cross Sandy relief and recovery efforts can be found at www.redcross.org/sandy-response.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
About Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity International’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Anchored by the conviction that safe and affordable housing provides a critical foundation for breaking the cycle of poverty, Habitat has helped more than 3 million people construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes since 1976. Habitat also advocates for fair and just housing policies and provides training and access to resources to help more families improve their shelter conditions. As a nonprofit Christian housing organization, Habitat works in more than 70 countries and welcomes people of all races, religions and nationalities to partner in its mission. To get more information, to donate or to volunteer, please visit habitat.org.