CACLV Expands 'Stand Up to Sandy' Relief Program

Through a recent $100,000 donation by The Bosch Group, a leading technology and services company, to the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, along with a $20,000 contribution from Catholic Charities the "Stand Up to Sandy" program designed to assist homeowners whose dwellings were damaged in "Superstorm" Sandy has just expanded the limits to qualify more people for assistance, the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley announced Thursday.

The two new contributions will quadruple the relief effort that began on November 14, according to a press release.  A task force had raised $40,000 and, with the assistance of volunteers and paid contractors, began providing up to $1,000 in assistance and repairs to the homes of homeowners who are elderly or disabled.

That effort was given a major boost with the addition of the new funds, organizers say, enabling the program to serve more people and with new approaches. 

Organizers have announced the following eligibility guidelines:

•     Any owner-occupied home is eligible for assistance if the total household income is roughly less than double the poverty rate
•     The group will assist those who have homeowners’ insurance by paying the deductible to the company doing the repairs (previously, the program was limited to those lacking homeowners’ insurance)
•     At the discretion of the group, more than $1,000 in repair work can be authorized

Also announced was that HMK Insurance Agency, the region’s largest independent agency, will be available to provide advice to consumers receiving assistance from the relief program to ensure they receive the proper benefits from their insurer.

HMK’s Maureen O’Meara noted that the complexity of policies and the regulations that govern them, as well as the bureaucracies of the companies, can be a special challenge for consumers and said the company is prepared to add its expertise to the arguments Sandy’s victims need to make.. 

Those who think they might be eligible for assistance are encouraged to contact the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley at 610-691-5620 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.