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HABITAT FOR HUMANITY NYC EXPANDS SUPERSTORM SANDY HOME REPAIR PROGRAM TO BROOKLYN AND CELEBRATES THE COMPLETION OF FIRST CONEY ISLAND PROJECT

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Sandy-Affected Homeowner Mildred Davis Returns Home for the First Time Since the Storm Thanks to Habitat for Humanity New York City

 

This July, Habitat NYC is commemorating the expansion of its Superstorm Sandy Recovery Program and the completion of its first Brooklyn home repair. After completing 36 Sandy-related home repair projects in Staten Island, Habitat NYC broadened its reach to help affected families in Coney Island as well. 

Habitat NYC volunteers kicked off work on the first Coney Island home repair in May, and homeowner Mildred Davis will be moving back into her home this week. Ms. Davis had been renting an apartment since she was displaced by the storm in October 2012. Volunteers have worked tirelessly during the past two months to perform critical repairs and make her dream of returning home come true. 

"Habitat for Humanity gave me back my way of life. They gave me back my home, which in turn gave me back the feeling of security that I had lost. Their assurance of putting my Sandy-damaged house back into living condition finally gave me a feeling of relief that I hadn't had for many months,” said Davis.

“Since Superstorm Sandy, Habitat for Humanity New York City has demonstrated its concern for those in need of assistance on Staten Island,” said Neil Hetherington, CEO of Habitat for Humanity New York City. “Thanks to hundreds of hardworking volunteers, we are expanding that hope by repairing homes in Brooklyn as well.”

“With home repairs being completed in Coney Island—like this one for Ms. Davis—and other areas damaged by Hurricane Sandy, I think that people can get the message that two years later, our neighborhoods are back in business thanks to the help of groups like Habitat for Humanity,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams.

“I am grateful that Habitat for Humanity has joined the recovery effort in Coney Island and has reached this great milestone of the first home rebuilt on the peninsula. This organization performed incredible work in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina, so I have no doubt they will be an asset in Southern Brooklyn as we continue to rebuild from Superstorm Sandy. After all, the most important aspect of the recovery is making every impacted community whole again and helping every victim finally return home. I look forward to working closely with Habitat for Humanity on future projects, including rolling up my sleeves and helping to rebuild a home in the neighborhood," said Council Member Mark Treyger, Chair of the Committee on Recovery and Resiliency. 

“Completing the unmet rebuild needs at Mildred Davis' home has been one of the best examples of collaboration between organizations involved in Hurricane Sandy recovery I have seen to date. A number of organizations came together to help her get back into her home, including the Met Council, FEMA, Resurrection Brooklyn Relief, The NY Annual Conference Brooklyn Disaster Response, the Unitarian Universalist Disaster Response, Habitat for Humanity New York City and many others. The kind of teamwork on this project is exactly what Brooklyn needs if we are to continue meeting the thousands of unmet rebuild needs that still exist in our borough,” said Brian Stedman, director of Resurrection Brooklyn Relief.

To date, Habitat for Humanity New York City has helped more than 100 Superstorm Sandy-affected families with repairs, debris removal, painting and other construction projects in Staten Island and Coney Island combined.

Contact:
Carly Blatt
(212) 991-4000 ext. 344
cblatt@habitatnyc.org

About Habitat for Humanity New York City
Habitat for Humanity New York City transforms lives by building quality homes with families in need and by uniting all New Yorkers around the cause of affordable housing. With the help of thousands of volunteers every year, Habitat NYC has served more than 380 families in the five boroughs of New York City with their permanent housing needs. To volunteer, donate or learn more, visit HabitatNYC.org or call (212) 991-4000.

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Habitat NYC is commemorating the expansion of its Superstorm Sandy Recovery Program and the completion of its first Brooklyn home repair. After completing 36 Sandy-related home repair projects in Staten Island, Habitat NYC broadened its reach to help affected families in Coney Island as well.
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Habitat for Humanity gave me back my way of life. They gave me back my home, which in turn gave me back the feeling of security that I had lost. Their assurance of putting my Sandy-damaged house back into living condition finally gave me a feeling of relief that I hadn't had for many months.
Mildred Davis, a Coney Island homeowner whose home was repaired by Habitat for Humanity New York City volunteers
Since Superstorm Sandy, Habitat for Humanity New York City has demonstrated its concern for those in need of assistance on Staten Island. Thanks to hundreds of hardworking volunteers, we are expanding that hope by repairing homes in Brooklyn as well.
Neil Hetherington, CEO of Habitat for Humanity New York City
With home repairs being completed in Coney Island—like this one for Ms. Davis—and other areas damaged by Hurricane Sandy, I think that people can get the message that two years later, our neighborhoods are back in business thanks to the help of groups like Habitat for Humanity.
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams