For Immediate Release       
Sept 1, 2011

Contact             
Leslie Schlesinger | 201 214 3630 | leslies@unitedwaypassac.org
Yvonne Zuidema | 973 632 9557 | yvonnez@unitedwaypassaic.org

Paterson, NJ - Like so many who reside near the Passaic River, the United Way of Passaic County’s offices in Paterson were affected by Hurricane Irene and our staff is working remotely due to inaccessibility and road closures. 

UWPC, is co-chair of the Passaic County VOAD, the county-wide collaborative body of non-profit, for-profit, and government organizations facilitating communication, cooperation and coordination of member organizations. "Today we need to rally around those who have lost so much and do what we can to help," said United Way President/CEO Yvonne Zuidema.  
 
Most immediately, dial 2-1-1 for assistance with temporary shelter and any resources for food, clothing, and cleanup. Register as a flood victim through 2-1-1.


A special Flood Relief & Recovery Fund to aid those most affected in Passaic County by the recent disaster has been established by UWPC.  Funding will be distributed to assist victims with long-term recovery efforts as part of a coordinated community effort to meet needs of affected individuals and families. 

To support the United Way Flood Relief & Recovery Fund please click here , or send a check payable to United Way of Passaic County 2011 Flood Relief & Recovery Fund, 20 Mill Street, Paterson, NJ 07501.

Volunteer organizations are in Passaic County and are gearing up to help with home clean-outs. To request clean-out help, please call 2-1-1.  To volunteer to help cleanup contact Jackie@unitedwaypassaic.org.

The only items accepted at this time are non-perishable foods. We welcome donations including: soup, cans of tuna and salmon, rice, pasta and sauce, juices, and peanut butter & jelly.

Sundry items are also appreciated, notably: toothpaste, toilet paper, paper towels, and diapers. We cannot make use of donated clothing or household goods. Food donation accepted at CUMAC at 223 Ellison Street in Paterson (973) 742-5518 and Father English at 435 Main St in Paterson (973) 881-0280.

If you are a tenant, know your rights as a renter if your home was flooded! Click here. The State Attorney General warns consumers to watch out for scams related to flood clean-up. Click here for more information.

Download NJ 2-1-1's Flooding - Relief and Recovery Assistance Guide, click here.
 
United Way of Passaic County has been involved with organizing disaster relief services for flood victims along the Passaic River for years by mobilizing the caring power of the community and coordinating the county’s helping organizations via VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster). Irene’s magnitude and devastation is historic and UWPC is committed to providing resources for those most affected by the recent hurricane.