How Do You Spell Superstorm Relief? CACLV

Alicia Karner, president, CACLV Board

In October, Northampton County's Emergency Management Center was the command post for local emergency response to Superstorm Sandy. As Humvees raced in and out of the lot, Emergency Management Services Director Bob Mateff kept in contact with local municipalities and their residents. But the scene was much more tranquil at the Upper Nazareth Facility on November 14, when Mateff announced the formation a task force to provide $40,000 in financial assistance to low-income and elderly homeowners who suffered damages during the hurricane.

As bad as Sandy was, Mateff doubts whether the Lehigh Valley will qualify for federal or state assistance. So the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley (CACLV) was able to raise $40,000 to help those who suffered. Half of this money comes from NorCo's GPA, with the rest coming from ESSA Bank, the LV Labor Council, retired PPL CEO William Hecht and an anonymous donor.

Hal Black, retired Air Products Exec

Retired Air Products Executive Hal Black will coordinate response, which will provide up to $1,000 for Lehigh or Northampton County homeowners whose properties were damaged by Hurricane Sandy. They must be 65 years of age or older or have physical limitations preventing them from making the improvements themselves. They are ineligible for any damages covered by their homeowner's insurance. The program only applies to households that fall below 200% of the federal poverty. For a single resident, that's an annual income below $22,340. For a family of two, it's $30,260. For a three-person household, the cutoff is $38,180.

Alicia Karner, who is President of the Board of Directors at CACLV urged Lehigh Valley residents to apply if they need help, even if they think they might fail to meet the criteria. She explained that doing so would enable her to better assess the need. "When I worked for Senator Boscola, this is exactly the kind of call we used to get," said Karner, who is also Northampton County's Economic Development Administrator. "It's very frustrating to tell someone there's nothing there for them," she added, hopeful that these donations will help those in need.

Those who think they might be eligible are asked to call CACLV at 610-691-5620.