IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Neighborhood Recovery Fund (NRF) has fully obligated its initial funding. At this time, NRF is unable to review any new applications. Homeowners may put their names on an NRF call list to be notified if additional funding becomes available. Please call 646-786-0888 to be added to our NRF call list. If you are having difficulty paying your mortgage or have other mortgage-related issues, you can also call us at the same number to be referred to a housing counselor or legal services provider near you.

The Neighborhood Recovery Fund (NRF) is an emergency fund sponsored by Goldman Sachs Gives and the Robin Hood Foundation that provides financial assistance to New York City homeowners with property damage from Hurricane Sandy. NRF would not be possible without the support of the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City and other funders whose grants support our network’s Sandy recovery work.

Sustainable Neighborhoods, LLC, an affiliate of the Center for NYC Neighborhoods, administers the fund. NRF provides eligible homeowners with up to $5,000 in either a grant or interest-free personal loan to cover expenses incurred due to Hurricane Sandy.

Homeowners who are in default on their mortgage or facing foreclosure may also be eligible for help through the Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP). MAP provides eligible homeowners with loans of up to $25,000 with 0% interest and no monthly payments.

Who has NRF helped?

We have deployed over $760,000 in NRF grants and loans to over 150 households. We have received an additional 170 applications and our partners have an additional 900+ applications in varying stages of completion. Given the immense need, we are continuing to fundraise for the program and hope to be able to raise enough funds to serve a total of 800 families with the NRF before the roll-out of CDBG-funded repair programs.

16% of NRF funds have gone to Brooklyn homeowners, 42% to Queens homeowners, and 42% to Staten Island homeowners.

The average Area Median Income (AMI) of households assisted by NRF is 77%. 60% of NRF recipients have household incomes below 80% AMI.

72% of NRF funds awarded to date have gone to home repairs.

NRF Stories:

Kimberly Schinnery is a mother of two whose home in Far Rockaway was severely damaged by high winds and flooding. Flood insurance covered most of her home repair costs, but she had to pay out-of-pocket to replace her furniture and appliances, including several mattresses, an oven, and a refrigerator. She was denied for an SBA loan. Because of these unexpected expenses, she fell behind on her utilities and mortgage payments. She also could not afford to repair the roof damage that was causing leaks. Ms. Schinnery’s NRF grant covered her roof repairs, paid off the arrears on her gas bill, and reinstated her mortgage. 

Mohamed Wafa lives on Staten Island with his wife, two sons, daughter, and grandson. The cost of rebuilding his home after Hurricane Sandy far exceeds his household’s income, and he was forced to pay for emergency costs out-of-pocket during the weeks immediately following the storm. With his NRF grant, Mr. Wafa was able to hire a contractor to make repairs to his roof, purchase paint and supplies, replace drywall, and buy mattresses for his family.

What Expenses Will NRF Cover?

NRF assistance can be used to pay for expenses  not covered or only partially covered by FEMA or insurance. Depending on the availability of other funds, NRF may be used for the following expenses:

General Expenses:

• Temporary housing (for example: rent, security deposits)
• Relocation expenses (for example: moving, storage)
• Income loss related to displaced tenant
• Utility payments or utility arrears
• Mortgage payments or mortgage arrears
• Government debts, liens, and/or fines preventing homeowner from receiving other assistance

Personal Property Losses:

Coverage for principal residence and rental unit(s) at the principal residence:

• Refrigerator
• Stove/Oven

Coverage for principal residence only:

• Microwave
• Table and chairs
• Mattresses

Repair Costs:

• Development of scopes of work for repairs, contractor estimates, public adjuster, and engineer reports
• Temporary or preventative repairs including:
  • Winterization
  • Sealing of building envelope
  • Mold abatement
  • Removal of drywall

• Other repairs as part of a larger rebuilding project
• Gap financing or credit enhancement to help homeowners qualify for other repair programs

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