Funding available to Superstorm Sandy-impacted residents who require a modular ramp

Funding is available through the N.J. Department of Human Services’ Division of Disability Services to replace, repair or build modular ramps for individuals who require one at their Superstorm Sandy-impacted primary residences. Funding for this project is provided by a $2.89 million Social Services Block Grant.

Photo via Norco Inc.
The ramps are designed to suit each home's needs.

The Sandy Relief Modular Ramp Program offers ramps that have no permanent footings, making them easy to install, remove and relocate as necessary. Design options are customized for each home and for each applicant’s needs. The ramps may be made of wood, aluminum, steel or fiberglass.

The program is considering applications from individuals with a ramp that was damaged due to the storm and needs to be repaired or replaced, is needed in a home or apartment because a person with a disability has permanently or temporarily relocated as a result of the storm, and/or is no longer useful because a home has to be elevated to comply with new building codes.

The DDS focuses on serving people who have become disabled as adults via a late-onset disability, whether through illness or injury. It is estimated that one in five people, about 1.75 million New Jerseyans, has a disability that may limit physical or cognitive function.

Program applicants must reside in New Jersey and have a permanent disability that necessitates a ramp. Applicants are required to show physician certification of a disability and need as well as proof of homeownership or written permission from a landlord. Proof of loss as a result of damage from Sandy and demonstration that all other sources of payment are unavailable or exhausted, including insurance, FEMA and Red Cross funds, are also mandatory.

To fill out an application, or for more information, call the DDS at 609-631-2450 and press 9.

— Kelley Anne Essinger


This article was published in The SandPaper.