Response to include damage assessments, community cleanup, rehabilitations, repairs and new house construction

ATLANTA, Nov. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Habitat for Humanity International is launching a multi-phase response to help communities devastated by Superstorm Sandy along the U.S. East Coast. This effort includes a range of services that will address both the short-term and long-term need for safe and decent housing.

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"Hurricane Sandy had a devastating impact on many communities and neighborhoods throughout the Northeast," said Jonathan Reckford, CEO, Habitat for Humanity International. "We are mobilizing our resources so that we can help as many families as possible in the near-term as winter approaches. But we also recognize that Habitat's rebuilding and revitalization work in these communities will continue over the long term."

According to FEMA, 95,000 people in New York and New Jersey are eligible for emergency housing assistance.

Habitat for Humanity's Disaster Response team is currently assessing the damage to homes and entire communities throughout the affected areas. This is being done in coordination with local Habitat affiliates, other non-governmental organizations, and government agencies to determine the housing need and available resources at regional, state and national levels.

As part of its initial response effort, Habitat has begun to mobilize its local volunteers to help homeowners make repairs to houses that received damage from the storm and to help with community cleanup efforts.

Over the long-term, Habitat for Humanity will work to build, rehabilitate or repair affordable housing in partnership with low-income families impacted by the storm.

"Funds given to Habitat for Humanity today can help families who need help now and also help communities that will be struggling to rebuild for years to come," said Reckford.

To assist with Habitat for Humanity's Superstorm Sandy recovery efforts today, please visit Habitat.org to donate, volunteer or advocate.

For regular updates, please follow Habitat on Facebook, Twitter or Google Plus.

Find out more about Habitat's response to Superstorm Sandy.

About Habitat for Humanity International 
Habitat for Humanity International is a global nonprofit Christian housing organization that seeks to put God's love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. Since 1976, Habitat has served more than 500,000 families by welcoming people of all races, religions and nationalities to construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. For more information, to donate or to volunteer, please visit www.habitat.org, or follow us at www.facebook.com/habitat or at www.twitter.com/habitat_org or join Habitat's blog community at www.habitat.org/blog.

SOURCE Habitat for Humanity International