Page 7 - The Long Road Home

Just over half reported that they wanted to appeal but did not know how to do so. Of the homeowners who reported a clawback amount, the average amount they were told to repay was $30,643, and nearly 90 percent reported that they could not afford to the pay the money back.
Long-Term Economic and Health Outcomes For more than half the respondents, Sandy has had profound economic consequences. Fifty-six percent have had trouble paying bills and/ or affording food and gas since the storm – with some families reporting that things became more difficult in the last two years as storm-related problems dragged on.
In addition to shouldering the cost of rebuilding, the livelihood of 41 percent of respondents was affected by Sandy. Factors associated with job loss include: losing a job or hours at a job because of Sandy; the impact of the storm on a family-
owned business; the demands of dealing with the recovery process; and health issues that worsened or developed after the storm.
Thirty-two percent have fallen behind on mortgage/rent payments, taxes, or other expenses related to their Sandy-damaged homes.
More than 70 percent of respondents reported that they had developed new physical or mental health problems or a worsening of pre-existing health conditions since Sandy. Many individuals described anxiety, depression, and post- traumatic stress disorders, often in combination with respiratory, cardiovascular, or other conditions. Many people also described an increased dependence on alcohol, tobacco products, or drugs. Of families with children, nearly 40 percent reported that their children’s school performance suffered because of the difficulties their family has faced since the storm.
NEW JERSEY RESOURCE PROJECT
32%
Thirty-two percent have fallen behind on mortgage/ rent payments, taxes, or other expenses related to their Sandy-damaged home.
70%
More than 70% of respondents reported that they had developed new physical or mental health problems or a worsening of pre-existing health conditions since Sandy.
57%
Fifty-seven percent do not believe we are better prepared for future disasters than we were before Sandy.
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