THE LONG ROAD HOME
UNDERSTANDING SANDY RECOVERY AND LESSONS FOR FUTURE STORMS FIVE YEARS LATER
New Jersey Resource Project partnered with Rutgers researchers and Stockton University’s service learning program to examine the long term health and economic impacts of Superstorm Sandy and asked survivors if they believe we are ready for future storms. The experiences reported in this survey show that the Sandy recovery process is far from over for many New Jersey families. Lack of funding and problems with recovery programs continue to hold families back. The emotional and physical health impacts of a natural disaster last well into the fourth and fifth year of recovery, and likely longer. There is great need for protection, mitigation, and relief programs. Communities also need longer-term health assistance and programming, particularly mental health support. Our findings emphasize the obligation we have to improve outcomes now, and in the future, for families and communities. The report was covered extensively in National and New Jersey Press.
