UCC Disaster Recovery In Atlantic City, New Jersey 
with the Fuller Center for Housing

Soon after the Hurricane (October 29, 2012), many businesses on the Atlantic City Boardwalk were up and running.  Tourism is important for the economy of the city.  Behind the boardwalk, however, are the homes of those who work to keep those businesses running.  People living below the poverty line in Atlantic City, NJ before Hurricane Sandy topped 34% of the city's population.  Many home owners in low income areas of Atlantic City earn a significant portion of their family income by renting the first floor of their homes.  When those rental spaces were flooded by Hurricane Sandy, that economic support vanished.  Repairing those spaces did not qualify for FEMA funds because they are rental units.  People, therefore, have a few financial resources as the rebuild/repair stage of disaster recovery begins.  

Opportunities are now available for your volunteer group to accompany people in this long-term recovery.

Fuller Center for Housing in the New Jersey Pines

Contact:  Melissa Merrill     Phone:  229.924.2900

Registration  

Work Needed:  Repair/Rebuild Disaster Recovery Stage #3 - Repair/Rebuilding of owner-occupied homes with first floor rental units in Atlantic City, NJ

Time:  March - December, 2013. Work week:  Monday - Friday

Group Size:  2-72

Accommodations:  Housing provided at large church in downtown Atlantic City.  Arranged through Fuller Center.  Cots and access to kitchen provided.  Showers will be available in a shower trailer adjacent to the church.  Groups bring own bedding and prepare their own meals.

Cost:  $160.00 per person for one week.  (or $30-$35/person/day for shorter trips)  Fee includes lodging, food, and supplemental insurance.

• Costs for building materials and tools, and construction supervision provided through the local committee.  Your donations to UCC One Great Hour of Sharing® the UCC Spring Storms Appeal, and Disciples Week of Compassion help make possible the local work of the Long-Term Recovery Committee and group housing. 

Minimum Age:  16+ (14+ with some work limitations)

Adult to Youth Ratio:  6:1

Education Components:  

• Preparation for the Trip:  "Mission Trips That Matter" by Don C. Richter, Upper Room Books.
• On-Site Reflection:  "Meeting God in the Ruins:  Devotions for Disaster Volunteers"  Copies will be provided at group housing site.  Additional free copies may be ordered from the Evangelical Luthern Church in America by calling 800.328.4648.
• Follow Up Action:  
• Help your local community prepare for possible disaster and response.  Encourage your local congregation to develop a plan in case of local disaster.  (View sample plan)
• Get to know your UCC Conference Disaster Coordinator and stay involved.  
• UCC Mission Trip Opportunities
• Apply to be a long-term volunteer.  UCC Partners in Service (one month - 12 months)

  Back to State Listing         Index by Focus of Mission Trip