Local Families Feel Forgotten Since Sandy

These two families, among many, still have no home since the Superstorm. They are trying to raise their kids as well as they can, despite not knowing what their future holds.

Here are the stories of two families from Manasquan and Long Branch. They both don't know where else to turn, and don't know where they'll go, with their children, as of May.

The Toole family (seen in this photo) has called Manasquan their home for over 17 years. Mom, Dad, and their EIGHT kids saw their belongings destroyed and then had to say goodbye as they watched the home they grew up in (knocked off its foundation by Sandy) get bulldozed.

This family has moved from rental to rental and has at times squeezed into family and friends' basements. They are currently in a winter rental that they have to be out of by May. They are filled with anxiety as to what will happen next. They don't have anything other than an empty lot where their home used to sit. They have filled out realms of paperwork for insurance claims, grants, loans, and other assistance, with no sign of the funds needed to rebuild.

This family loves Manasquan and does a lot for the community. When Sandy first hit they received some help, but never thought that all this time later, they'd still be without a home. The kids are still still dealing with the grief and loss of their home and the memories that went along with it.

This family has been under tremendous stress and are dreaming for a day when they can all be together in a home of their own. The Manasquan Elks are holding a fundraiser for them on April 11th called "No Family Left Behind". For more info, CLICK HERE.

And a friend of one of the Toole family girls has set up a page for donations HERE. Claudia's story will bring tears to your eyes.

Then there is the Buck family in Long Branch.

Their home was destroyed during the hurricane. Robin and his fiance and their three children, after months of repairs, were able to move back into their home. But homes in his zone needed to be lifted so he applied for a grant from the REM program. He went through many meetings and signed tons of paperwork and was then told to move out as soon as possible so they could begin the process of lifting his home. He was advised it would take about 90 days. Robin was able to get funding from the county long term recovery to help with rent for another home since he was still obligated to pay his mortgage.

The family moved out November first. Robin was told to have all utilities disconnected, so he did. He was then told the work would begin...but nothing happened. He continuously sent emails to his case worker saying the house would have to be winterized so the pipes wouldn't freeze. He was told it would be taken care of.

Four months later, in March, after nothing was done all winter, Robin found his basement flooded and mold growing among all of his family's belongings and furniture. Turns out his home wasn't winterized, the pipes froze and burst, and the mildew had taken over.

A contractor told the REM program that it's now going to cost more to repair the home because of the mold and water damages...more than it would cost to have built a new home. But there is only a set grant that can't cover the loss of their home or the cost of the new repairs necessary.

The recovery group that is helping this family can only do so for a limited time. The funds will expire in May and Robin cannot pay her mortgage AND rent while the house she bought to raise her children sits there with wasted furniture and mold. She doesn't know where she and her children will go after May or where else she can turn for help.

Robin is feeling forgotten, frustrated, in fear of not being able to pay his mortgage AND rent and then losing his home to foreclosure. And he doesn't know where his family will be able to live. Funds are being raised online to help this family. CLICK HERE for details.