Now almost two years since Superstorm Sandy devastated the coast of New Jersey, charitable organizations like The Society of St. Vincent de Paul are continuing their efforts to help the families who lost their homes. The SVDPS is relocating its House In a Box warehouse to Brick, and opening its doors July 11 to serve Superstorm Sandy survivors, providing new furniture to families with verified Federal Emergency Management Agencty claims.

The program is a collaboration between SVDP National Council which operates the warehouse, and the American Red Cross, which funds the program. Currently 15 House in a Box programs are active in the United States where natural disasters have occurred.

Through June 30, a total of 98 families have been served in the House in a Box warehouse in the Diocese. The warehouse was first opened on March 27 in Ocean Township, and was relocated to Brick in mid-June. Members of SVDP conferences in Monmouth and Ocean Counties have been busy stocking the facility with new inventory. On July 11, the new location in Brick will begin serving families. Anyone with a FEMA claim interested in participating in the program should contact any SVDP conference or agencies collaborating in this effort, such as Catholic Charities, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and Visitation Relief Center. The House in a Box warehouse can serve an additional 200 families.

The House in a Box warehouse is located at 1106 Industrial Parkway, Brick, N.J. 

For more information call the SVDPS’ House in a Box Office at 732-202-1155. Persons wishing to volunteer at the warehouse can register at www.volunteersignup.org/8B8EQ.