Special Sandy Needs Assessment Survey In Monmouth [POLL/AUDIO]

Today marks exactly six months since Superstorm Sandy hit New Jersey.

Over in Monmouth County, officials are still in the process of assessing the needs of their residents who, literally, had their lives turned upside down.

Members of the Long Term Recovery Group are working alongside members of World Renew Disaster Response services for a special community assessment of unmet needs through the region.

While a majority of Sandy victims have already reached out to FEMA and the SBA for help, and/or received a settlement from their insurance company to pay for damages, there are still many who find themselves lost. That's where this team comes in.

Based in walk-in centers in Manasquan, Belmar, Long Branch, Highlands, Leonardo Belford and Sea Bright from now until May 8, the team of 20 World Renew members, will be doing outreach to contact the families that may be in a bad state or confused about what to do.

World Renew Disaster Response Services (DRS), a national non-profit organization whose mission is to respond to disasters, is based in Grand Rapids, MI. World Renew teams have been responding to disasters throughout the United States for over 40 years. Team members have been on the ground responding to the Supersorm Sandy in New York and New Jersey since the disaster happened.

Formed shortly after Supersorm Sandy hit Monmouth County's shore, the Monmouth County Long Term Recovery Group (MCLTRG) consists of representatives from non-profit, faith-based and government agencies, business and other organizations,whose mission is to provide recovery services to individuals and families affected by Supersorm Sandy with no preference to individuals' race, color, creed, gender, disability or religious affiliation.

The goal of the MCLTRG is to assist all residents in recovery from disasters by addressing and prioritizing unmet needs.

The United Way of Monmouth County serves as MCLTRG's fiscal agent and is supporting this initiative by providing non-profit status as a non-profit organization under the guidelines of the Internal Revenue Service and certified charitable organization registered by the state of New Jersey.

"We need to assess what these things are in order to better serve. Without this information, the people would face even greater challenges ahead," Team leader Tom Hoogeboom says. "We are there with them as much as possible. This survey will allow us to find out what they need and help put them in touch with the appropriate people or agencies."

"We have set up convenient locations throughout Monmouth County and area residents are invited to any of the various walk in sites on any day listed however, will need to bring their FEMA identification number with them," stated Bill Adams, Director of World Renew.

Locations and dates where the teams will be are:

Manasquan Area
First Presbyterian Church of Manasquan
16 Virginia Avenue
Manasquan, NJ 08736

Tuesday, April 29 12 N - 7 p.m.

Long Branch Area
Long Branch Fire Station #4
205 Union Avenue
Long Branch, NJ 07740

Monday, April 29 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sea Bright Area
Sea Bright Borough Hall
1167 Ocean Ave.
Sea Bright, NJ 07760

Tuesday, Apr 30, 12 p.m - 7 p.m.
Wednesday, May 1, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday, May 2, 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday, May 3, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Belmar Area
St. Rose Grammar School Annex, will be available
605 6th Ave.
Belmar, NJ 07719

Wednesday, May 1, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday, May 2, 12 p.m - 7 p.m.
Friday, May 3, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Monday, May 6, 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Tuesday, May 7, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Two locations in Middletown, NJ will be available for residents and another site has been added for the area residents of the Highlands, NJ.

For locations and hours of operations or more information on the Monmouth County Long Term Recovery Group, visit them online or call the United Way of Monmouth County at 732-923-5988 .

For more information on World Renew, please visit their website.