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Federal Funds Can Be Used For Rent Or Mortgage, Utility Bills, Furniture
Filed Under:displaced residents, federal grant, flooding, Gov Chris Christie, Hurricane Sandy Carousel, Little Ferry, Marla Diamond, Mortgage, Superstorm Sandy, The Working Families Living Expenses Voucher Program
A truck drives down a flooded street after water levels lowered October 30, 2012 in Little Ferry, New Jersey. (credit: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)A truck drives down a flooded street after water levels lowered October 30, 2012 in Little Ferry, New Jersey. (credit: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)

LITTLE FERRY, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) – New Jersey residents still affected by superstorm Sandy nearly a year later are going to have more help in getting their lives back.

Gov. Chris Christie has announced $57 million in federal money that’s available for families who were displaced after the storm. Christie made the announcement Tuesday in Little Ferry, the site of widespread flooding from the Hackensack River after the storm hit last October.

“I’m here often, as you know. We’re going to continue to be here until this job is finished,” said the governor. “A lot of the people are still paying mortgages, paying rent in other places while they’re waiting for their homes to be elevated or renovated or rebuilt entirely. This is putting an enormous strain on their families. You’re going to be able to access this program.”

Thousands of homes and businesses in Little Ferry, Moonachie and Carlstadt were flooded when a tidal surge pushed the river several feet over its banks and across the region.

The new program is called “The Working Families Living Expenses Voucher Program.” It can be used for rent or mortgage payments, utility payments and to replace furniture and appliances.

“So you don’t have to worry about going into foreclosure, you don’t have to worry about losing your home or not having a place that’s warm and safe for you and your families,” Christie said.

Affected New Jerseyans can find out more about the voucher program by calling 211 or clicking here.

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