Lehigh Valley seniors and disabled homeowners offered storm relief in Standing Up To Sandy program

The program, aimed at low-income residents of Northampton and Lehigh counties, will offer up to $1,000 in repairs to homeowners who either don't have insurance or whose insurance won't cover damages from Superstorm Sandy.

The Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley announced today it has created a program to aid elderly and disabled homeowners throughout the Lehigh Valley struggling to pay for repairs to their home after Superstorm Sandy.

The Standing Up to Sandy Relief Effort will allow low-income homeowners to repair up to $1,000 in storm damage, Alicia Karner, CACLV's president of the board of directors, said during a news conference at the Northampton County emergency dispatch center in Upper Nazareth Township.

While the area did not see the widespread devastation witnessed along the Jersey Shore or parts of New York, the high winds caused significant problems throughout the region that will likely not receive federal relief money, she said.

"Do not allow the lack of major damage to lead you to believe there is no damage or need right here in the Lehigh Valley for assistance," Karner said.

More than 20,000 structures in Northampton County sustained some damage from the storm, ranging from the loss of shingles to the complete destruction, said Bob Mateff, the county's director of emergency management. Damage was spread throughout the region, he said, and his office has received reports of destroyed structures in Lower Mount Bethel, Lehigh and Williams townships, he said. Emergency responders spent 101 hours at their second highest disaster level, Mateff said, a first in county history.

"This storm's impact, as we now get to look back at it, has had more effect on more residents than any previous storm," Mateff said.

The program is restricted to homeowners who are either disabled or 65 or older, according to Karner. The project is further limited to those making twice the federal poverty guidelines and who either don't have insurance or whose insurance will not cover the costs, Karner said.

Officials do not know how many homeowners are eligible under the guidelines or if CACLV will need to raise more than the initial $40,000 it's gathered so far. Instead, Hal Black, the project's volunteer coordinator, asked that anyone who thinks they may be eligible call the CACLV offices and create an appointment so someone could survey the damage at their home. 

Black said the organization is not looking to raise additional money for the time being as it is still trying to assess the extent of the damage. When possible, repairs will be done by teams of volunteers with training in basic home repairs, but CACLV is prepared to bring in contractors to handle more complicated work, Black said. While teams of volunteers have been created, others looking to get involved can contact CACLV to offer their services, he said.

Those looking to contact the CACLV can call 610-691-5620. Anyone looking to request money for home repairs will be asked to provide certain information, including their household annual income.