More than 80 New Jersey families impacted by Hurricane Sandy face a murky future as the federal housing assistance program they are relying on for temporary shelter ends in April.
The governor’s office today said they want to give those residents at least six more months of certainty, so Gov. Chris Christie has asked the federal government to extend the initiative.
Christie sent a letter to President Barack Obama on Jan. 28 requesting the six-month extension, saying the extra time is needed so "our hardest hit residents can continue to receive much needed financial and direct housing assistance until their homes are repaired or they can find more permanent housing."
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has been providing temporary housing for families at renovated apartments in Fort Monmouth and manufactured units in mobile home parks.
According to the governor’s office, 49 families are currently living at Fort Monmouth and 32 families are staying in manufactured homes.
The governor’s office said 75 of those families are homeowners and of them, 31 have been initially approved for a grant through the state’s Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Elevation and Mitigation grant program.
Residents and lawmakers have complained about long delays with that grant program, which provides residents up to $150,000 to rebuild their storm-damaged properties.
Christie wrote, "Unfortunately, rebuilding does not happen overnight and these residents need additional time to return to permanent housing."