Press Releases

Bergen County's United Way Establishes Compassion Fund for Flood Relief

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ – As residents hardest hit by the powerful nor’easter return home, Bergen County’s United Way is encouraging them to call 2-1-1 if they need help.

“Bergen County’s United Way and 2-1-1 are here to help rebuild,” said Tom Toronto, President of Bergen County’s United Way. “We learned years ago after Hurricane Floyd that when the water recedes and reality sets in, it can be overwhelming. The costs – financially and emotionally are devastating. People who have never been all of a sudden find themselves ‘in need.’ Bergen County’s United Way is prepared to help in very direct and concrete ways - when no one else can. A call to our 2-1-1 helpline is the easiest way to get connected.”

The United Way has established a Compassion Fund for Flood Relief to help pay for replacement items such as water heaters and furnaces, household goods, clothing, and personal belongings - not covered by insurance or federal aid programs. Some families will need to be temporarily re-located because damage to their home has made it uninhabitable. The United Way will help by providing security deposits. Additionally, a care manager is available to help one-on-one when needed.

“Sometimes navigating the complex maze of programs and services can overwhelm,” said Toronto. “That is especially true for older adults living alone. These people have been through enough. They don’t need the added stress. They deserve all the emotional support and practical guidance we can give them as they rebuild their lives.”

The United Way is also partnering with Bergen County’s Division of Community Development to provide referrals to plumbers and other tradesman for emergency repairs as well as to assist income qualified homeowners with rebuilding through the County’s Home Improvement Program.

Over $25,000 has already been raised thanks to the generosity of individuals and corporations like PSE&G who joined the effort. The United Way hopes to grow that amount as early estimates suggest that the flood damage is more extensive than that caused by Hurricane Floyd. 100% of every contribution will go directly to recovery.

“Our capacity to help is only limited by the dollars we raise,” said Toronto.