UPDATE: FEMA, Debris, Fisherman's Mark, and more
September 16, 2021 5:15 PM
There are several new updates below, so please read this message in full.
The City of Lambertville remains in a State of Emergency. We thank Hunterdon County and the County Commissioners for all of their support as we recover from this disaster.
We also thank the countless volunteers from near and far who have rallied to help our community. Hundreds of volunteers have been active since immediately after the storm, gathering and distributing supplies, cleaning out basements, and coordinating resources. More than 300 volunteers mobilized today alone. The generosity and compassion shown by all of these volunteers is truly inspiring and we would not be where we are today - five days after the storm - without them.
FEMA UPDATE: As of today, September 6, 2021, President Joe Biden has approved the New Jersey Disaster Declaration from Tropical Storm Ida. This action makes FEMA Individual Assistance funding available to those affected in Hunterdon County. The City and County are happy to report that FEMA is now in town to help residents register for assistance. FEMA reps are available immediately at the Union Fire Station. They will be there until 6 tonight and from 8 am to 6 pm tomorrow, Tuesday, 9/7, through Sunday, 9/12. The schedule beyond Sunday is TBD. Residents can also register online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800.621.FEMA (3362) or 800.462.7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 am to 10 pm (local time) seven days a week until further notice. Please remember to photograph damage and report it to your insurance companies. If you need assistance, please reach out. FEMA is in no way related to ICE!
DEBRIS REMOVAL: Hunterdon County has been instrumental in advancing Lambertville’s debris removal effort. The County is managing the contract to ensure that as soon as possible several large disaster debris trucks will remove debris that has accumulated on sidewalks and in other public areas. All household hazardous waste must be separated from the rest of the debris and appliances must be taped shut. Thank you to everyone for helping sort debris across the city so we can be in compliance with FEMA and DEP regulations.
We still anticipate that the debris removal company will begin operating within approximately 48 hours. As soon as the City gets confirmation of their arrival time, we will send out alerts. In anticipation of that, please be aware that people who live on streets that have significant accumulation of debris should be prepared to move their cars. We are currently working with owners of parking lots throughout town to make parking spaces available. We will provide more details, including a list of impacted streets, tomorrow. If your car is disabled, please contact the Lambertville Police Department at 609.397.3132 and they will assist you.
FOOD, CLOTHING, & SUPPLIES: Relief sites at LPS, the Library, and Liberty Hall will be open 10-6 today, Monday, and 10-4 on Tuesday. Please note that this is a change from what has been shared previously. Cavallo Park childcare will be open Monday and Tuesday 10-6, and will offer snacks, activities, and coordination with volunteers or other services as needed. All sites offer volunteer coordination, snacks, and supplies. The LPS site is also hosting an emergency pantry (food, clothing, and supplies).
The Delaware Valley Food Pantry has temporarily moved to Centenary Methodist Church on North Union Street and will be open on Wednesdays from 2 to 4 and Saturdays from 10 to 12.
FISHERMAN’S MARK NEW LOCATION: On Tuesday, 9/7 at 4 pm, all of the food and household/cleaning supplies that have been collected at LPS will be transported to Fisherman’s Mark in their new temporary location at the former Homestead Market. Fisherman’s Mark will be open from 9 am to 5 pm five days a week beginning on Wednesday, 9/8. The clothing currently available at LPS will be available at a new site, with more details to come as soon as they are confirmed.
VOLUNTEERS & DONATIONS: Lambertville has received an amazing amount of donations! As we prepare to transfer pantry operations from LPS to Fisherman’s Mark, we ask that donations be held until at least Friday. After that time, all donations can be made to Fisherman’s Mark. Volunteers are being coordinated using Lotsa Helping Hands Lambertville. Sign-up at https://my.lotsahelpinghands.com/request/select-email/lambertville-helping-hands.
HOUSING & SOCIAL SERVICES: Anyone who needs housing should call the Hunterdon County Helpline at 908-782-4357 (24 hours), or Hunterdon County Social Services at 908-788-1300 (8:30 to 4:30, Monday to Friday).
Hunterdon County Human Services and the Hunterdon County Disaster Response Crisis Counselors will be at LPS from 11-2 on Tuesday, 9/7, to discuss housing assistance, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, SNAP, Medicaid, and Emergency Assistance. Staff can also refer to area nonprofits for additional resources and assistance.
- Hunterdon County's social services resource page is here: https://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/depts/social/socserv.htm.
- Hunterdon County’s Ida resources page is here: https://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/tropical-storm-Ida.html.
CLEAN UP ASSISTANCE: NJ VOAD Crisis Cleanup is activated for all counties. Households with muck out, sheetrock removal, pump out, and/or tarping needs can be referred through NJ211 or 844.965.1386 to register.