Kids & Family

Free Mold Remediation Program Set for Sandy Victims

The Red Cross and Community Development Corporation of Long Island team up to help clear mold out of Sandy-affected homes.

The American Red Cross and the Community Development Corporation of Long Island have teamed up to provide free mold remediation to homeowners affected by Hurricane Sandy last October.

The American Red Cross granted $2 million and the Robin Hood Foundation also made a commitment to get the program underway.

"We have heard from many homeowners and from our partners in the Long Term Recovery Group that mold in flood-impacted houses is a major problem," said Marianne Garvin, the president and chief executive of CDCLI.

Garvin added the two organizations helped provide resources to allow the CDC to enable "families to move forward with rebuilding their homes and lives."

"Since the storm hit one year ago, many homeowners have experienced the impact of mold due to flooding. Many people do not have the resources to remedy the mold problems on their own," Garvin said. 

According to Garvin, the remediation will be conducted by professionals the housing agency already has a relationship with.

The announcement was made with a large group of volunteers, including those from Lindy Manpower and Neighbors Supporting Neighbors Babylon, and elected officials. It took place outside of the South Wellwood Avenue home of Susan Gorman in Lindenhurst. Gorman's home was among the first sites to be used as a test for the remediation process.

Testing of the program's roll-out took place in Freeport and other parts of Lindenhurst, Garvin said.

Along with the grant given to the CDCLI, the American Red Cross awarded $350,000 to the United Way of Long Island.

According to a release, the United Way will use the additional funding to help award sub-grants to community organizations in the areas of "individual casework, housing assistance... and social service provided support."

More information on the free mold remediation program through the CDCLI can be found here on the organization's website.


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