Four months after Hurricane Sandy, people in Union Beach, N.J., are still cleaning up. But not that many people are rebuilding because the homeowners need money.
Anthony Cavallo calls a trailer his home because his actual home sustained so much damage during Hurricane Sandy that it has to be torn down. The problem is that he has no money to rebuild.
"In the beginning it was shock and sadness and now pissed off?" Cavallo said. "You know… let me move on with my life, let me get my insurance money that I've been paying for, let me get government help or grants coming."
The Hurricane Sandy NJ Relief Fund, which is run by New Jersey First Lady Mary Pat Christie, has raised $32 million. But victims haven't seen a dime of it yet. That makes everyone we spoke with in this battered Union Beach community angry.
"I'm appalled, I'm hurt, I'm appalled and I don't know where to go," said Diane Dietrich. She is better off than Cavallo, but the retired teacher still has tens of thousands of dollars' worth of damage to her dream home. Her life savings is dwindling.
"I don't know where to turn at this point," she said.
The executive director of the relief fund released a statement.
"It's our duty to responsibly and effectively distribute the dollars we have raised," Cam Henderson said in the statement. "We are proud of the grant process we put in place that we believe will have a significant positive impact on storm victims throughout the Garden State."
"Believe it when I see it," said Troy Rudolph, a Sandy victim. "No signs of it and haven't heard anything of it."
The relief fund plans to give out $1 million to six hard-hit counties this week and another $5 million will go to nonprofits soon after.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:05 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:05:21 GMT
Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt made a trip to the birthplace of Frank Sinatra on Wednesday night to promote his new movie, "World War Z."
Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt made a trip to the birthplace of Frank Sinatra on Wednesday night to promote his new movie, "World War Z." Pitt stunned the crowd at the Clearview Cinemas when he walked in just before the start of the special screening.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:23 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:23:09 GMT
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
Thursday, May 23 2013 6:46 AM EDT2013-05-23 10:46:23 GMT
For the first time in 17 years, millions of cicadas are expected to emerge from the soil in the tristate region this summer. The bug-like creatures are harmless to humans.
For the first time in 17 years, millions of cicadas are expected to emerge from the soil in the tristate region this summer. The bug-like creatures are harmless to humans. Cicadas live in the soil and make a familiar buzzing sound.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:55 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:55:01 GMT
Jersey shore town is celebrating a milestone as it rebuilds from Superstorm Sandy. Belmar officials will reopen their 1.3-mile boardwalk that was destroyed by the October storm.
Jersey shore town is celebrating a milestone as it rebuilds from Superstorm Sandy. Belmar officials will reopen their 1.3-mile boardwalk that was destroyed by the October storm.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:21 PM EDT2013-05-21 21:21:42 GMT
Revel is bankrupt no more. The struggling Atlantic City casino formally emerged from bankruptcy court on Tuesday, just 13 months after it opened with sky-high hopes.
Revel is bankrupt no more. The struggling Atlantic City casino formally emerged from bankruptcy court on Tuesday, just 13 months after it opened with sky-high hopes.
