Senator Chuck Schumer is making the call for all Long Island homeowners who were affected by Hurricane Sandy and still have not received federal support to apply for the New York Rising housing reconstruction program, which will begin distributing funds this week.

The New York Rising program will distribute federal funds to homeowners with “unmet needs,” and so far, approximately 5,000 homeowners on Long Island have qualified for funding through the program.

New York Rising has received $484.3 million in funds from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) assistance for New York State, which “essentially fills in the gaps between what is not covered by insurance and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).”

On average, homeowners are expected to receive about $100,000 each.  One Lindenhurst family that suffered major damages from Sandy was awarded $107,000 through the program this week.

“My message to Sandy-impacted homeowners on Long Island is sign up now” said Schumer in a press release. “Now that Sandy money is beginning to flow, all homeowners impacted by the storm should apply for this much-needed funding immediately. I fought hard to include this flexible funding in the Sandy Relief Bill to fill the gap between what homeowners would receive from insurance and from FEMA to rebuild their homes and to fortify them against future storms and now I am urging all Sandy-victims to sign up so they receive the assistance they need and deserve.”

Homeowners can use the funds toward repairs, and for preventative measures, such as fortifying homes against future storms and raising their houses to prevent damage in the case of a flood.

All affected homeowners can apply for assistance here.

[Source: Press Release]