$1.8 billion in federal Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program funding approved by Congress in January is now available to assist Superstorm Sandy-impacted homeowners and communities, said Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04) whose district includes hard-hit shore towns in Ocean and Monmouth counties which sustained heavy wind and floodwater damage.

    About $1.2 billion of the funding will be put toward housing-related programs.

    “The Jersey Shore is in the midst of recovery and restoration from the worst storm we’ve seen in our lifetime,” said Smith, who fought on the House floor for the funding alongside other members whose districts were severely hit by Sandy. “This funding is badly needed to restore people’s homes and normalcy at the Jersey Shore.”

    The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has been tasked by Governor Chris Christie to manage the CDBG-DR program. DCA has begun accepting applications for the reNew Jersey Stronger Housing Grant programs. The federal funding is available through two programs:

•     The Homeowner Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Elevation and Mitigation (RREM) program will provide up to $150,000 for eligible homeowners to repair, elevate or rebuild their primary residences in the affected communities. Click here to learn more about the RREM program or to apply.

•      The Homeowner Resettlement program provides a $10,000 grant award to eligible homeowners whose primary residence was damaged by Superstorm Sandy.  This program requires the recipient to remain in or return to Sandy-impacted communities. Click here to learn more about the resettlement grant, or to apply.

    The DCA Superstorm Sandy Housing Assistance hotline is also open at 1-855-SANDYHM (1-855-726-3946) to answer questions about the application process.

    New Jersey, the most densely populated state in the nation, was the hardest hit state and suffered high winds, flooding and record-breaking storm surges. Often called a "Superstorm" for its unprecedented nature, power and impact, Sandy damaged or destroyed more than 70,000 homes and businesses in New Jersey. The New York City area and Connecticut also suffered damage. Sandy is one of the most costly storms in the nation’s history.