Three years later, Hurricane Ida survivors plead for help

Three years later, Hurricane Ida survivors plead for help / NJ Spotlight / September 3, 2024

By Brenda Flanagan

Hurricane Ida survivor Ida Debby Josephs was blunt: “While the hurricane is past — and it’s been three years — it feels like we’re still in the hurricane. We’re still struggling. We’re still fighting for what’s right.”

Like many whose homes were damaged by the 2021 hurricane, especially in Manville, Josephs faces financial hardship as she tries to find a path forward. The state will no longer pay to elevate Joseph’s home above floodwaters, she said, and she can’t sell it unless it’s elevated. Some Ida survivors aren’t even  back in their homes, but they’re still paying mortgages, plus rent.

Jody Stewart is an advocate who’s pushed for more government aid for Ida survivors. She said Ida is still taking a human toll. “I’m watching families break up right now because of the lack of recovery,” she said. “It’s not right. It’s not fair. And I’ll blame the government every time about it.”

A bill passed unanimously by the Legislature could offer Ida survivors some relief. It would provide a year of mortgage and foreclosure forbearance for certain eligible property owners who received federal disaster relief and have a household income less than 150% of their county’s median earnings.

The bill has bipartisan support, and legislators have urged Gov. Phil Murphy to sign it. The governor’s office said it would not comment on pending legislation.