Flood fund set up for city victims

The city has set up a committee to raise money for those in need.

By: Linda Seida
   LAMBERTVILLE — People in the community still need help meeting the most basic needs after the flood earlier this month.
   Insurance companies and federal aid have yet to kick in their share, and when they do, they won’t cover it all.
   To help members of the community in need, the city has set up a committee to raise funds, Mayor David Del Vecchio announced Monday during a special meeting of the City Council.
   "People were affected in different ways," Mayor Del Vecchio said. "What was an annoyance to some people, for older residents on a fixed income, they lost food they’re struggling to replace."
   The committee is co-chaired by Bambi Kuhl, the head of the city’s Welfare Department, who also is in charge of finding shelter for persons displaced by disasters such as fires and floods; Edric Mason, who recently moved to Lambertville from Kennebunkport, Maine, with his wife, Mary Ellen, and is under contract to purchase the Lambertville House on Bridge Street; and Al Komjathy, chairman of the board of directors of the Lambertville Sewerage Authority.
   According to Ms. Kuhl, some people whose homes were damaged by the flood had no insurance. Others had insurance but it "only covers so much," she said. Others still are waiting for insurance payments from last September’s flood.
   There are people who cannot afford to restock their pantries. A lot of households wait until the end of the week and payday to shop for groceries, and with the flood occurring Saturday through Monday, whatever they bought was lost, Ms. Kuhl said. Buying extra food while trying to meet bills and pay cleanup and other replacement costs is turning into a heavy burden.
   For those who need them, free kits stocked with cleaning supplies are available at City Hall on York Street, said Public Works Director Paul Cronce. The Salvation Army delivered about 30 kits, and 10 remain.
   "First come, first served," Mr. Cronce said.
   In some homes, people are living without heat and hot water because they can’t afford to have their ruined appliances replaced. That’s the case in one house where a 60-something woman is caring for her 90-something mother, according to Councilwoman Cynthia Ege. A space heater is being used in the elder woman’s bedroom.
   Monday night, according to Mrs. Ege, the temperature was expected to dip into the 20s. The Weather Channel said the low that night was closer to 35.
   "There are people taking cold showers because they can’t afford it," Mrs. Ege said.
   Mayor Del Vecchio said, "We want to help people who fall between the cracks. "
   "It’s needed," Ms. Kuhl said. "It’s really needed."
   Mayor Del Vecchio added, "Insurance covers some. FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) covers some. This is to address some of the needs not covered."
   He said the city raised funds in a similar manner after Hurricane Floyd in 1999 and Hurricane Ivan in 2004.
   In coming weeks, fund-raisers will include a night out at a restaurant where a portion of the tab will be contributed to the relief effort. A date has not been set yet.
   The mayor thanked Mr. Mason for becoming involved with the committee.
   "It’s nice to see a town that pulls together and helps one another," Mr. Mason said. "I’m glad to help out."
   Donations should be made out to City of Lambertville Emergency Fund, 18 York St., Lambertville, 08530. The envelope should be marked to the attention of Ms. Kuhl.
   A similar fund exists in New Hope.
   The Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce has set up a fund for residents and business owners victimized by the recent flood that hit the Delaware River towns.
   The fund is called the New Hope-Lambertville Flood Relief Fund.
   Make checks payable to the fund and send all donations to the chamber at P.O. Box 633, New Hope, 18938.
   For more information, call (215) 862-9990 or email [email protected].