Sandy Displaced Families Moved to Fort Monmouth Before Christmas

Displaced by Sandy, some families will be celebrating Christmas this year in a new, temporary home at Fort Monmouth.

According to Oceanport Mayor Michael Mahon, Friday was move-in day at Fort Monmouth for between 42 and 45 families.

"FEMA will not tell us if any local families are included in this temporary housing," he said in an email Thursday.

The long term temporary housing is located in the lodge area of the fort in Oceanport and in apartments behind the golf course in Eatontown.

On Wednesday an Oceanport resident told Patch that FEMA had contacted her recently to find out her family's interest in relocating to the fort. This resident indicated she would take the opportunity, but has since not heard any news about whether she will get a spot.

Patch asked Robin Smith, director of media relations at FEMA, to clarify her agency's role in the temporary housing.

"Yes, FEMA makes the phone calls (because we have the registration information and the staff to do so), but the State IS in control of the selection…though evidently we do assist in the review process," she said in an email Wednesday.  "The selection is "needs" based and there are a multitude of "needs" reviewed. Those deemed to have the most/greatest needs are given first right of refusal.

"[The] reality is that though FEMA may assist with funding as related to housing, the State is really in control of the situation."

Patch received these comments from Lisa Ryan, director of communications for the DCA, after the orginal story posted:

"FEMA based their decision on several factors, including the location of the household’s primary residence, proximity to schools, proximity to employment, transportation needs, and household size," Ryan said.

Click here to read more about the state's push to accelerate permanent housing for those who may not want to or be able to return to their homes hit by Sandy.