New fund established to help victims of flooding in Paterson, N.J.
PATERSON, N.J. - Financial help is on the way for victims of last month's flooding along the Passaic River whose property was damaged by the water.
"We couldn't walk here. No one could walk here. The water was high - the water was high," Anthony Gardner said.
Gardner, a longtime Paterson resident, was afraid for his life last month on Bergen Street when the Passaic River quickly rose.
"Right up to my neck," he said.
A rescue boat was used to get him out. A boat also brought resident Fannuel Gaddafi and a neighbor to safety when water advanced up the stairs to their duplex.
"The fire department, had to come in and rescue us out of here," Gaddafi said. "It's been happened for a long time."
The City of Paterson is partnering with United Way Passaic County and other organizations to fundraise for residents who suffered losses in the torrential rain and flooding of late last month. The donation drive was kicked off with a single donation of $10,000 by a business owner.
Mayor Andre Sayegh hope that inspires more generosity.
"Anyone who has the bandwidth to contribute to this fund for the flood victims in Paterson," he said.
Some residents and city leaders know this river will jump its banks again, and some long-term solutions are in the works.
"Do we have to like buy these homes and get these Individuals out of harms way?" Sayegh said. "We want to put a strategic plan together."
Engineering projects and property swaps will take time that Aito shop owner Ney Jaime says he does not have.
"Nobody have insurance. Nobody give insurance. Nobody come from FEMA. Give nothing to the government, give nothing," Jaime said. "You see my situation. I have a bad situation right now."
His auto repair shop is repeatedly swamped by the nearby Passaic River. He plans to relocate before the year is over and hopefully before the next big flood arrives.
