One-hundred and forty volunteers of the International WeLoveU Foundation helped residents in Little Falls, NJ, clean up their homes from the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Ida on Sunday, September 5, 2021. Residents reached out to WeLoveU for assistance, remembering their disaster relief efforts in 2018 when the community was overwhelmed by historic flooding. The volunteers helped disinfect homes, remove wet drywall and furniture, clean salvageable items, and pull up floors.
Rolling Up Our Sleeves in Little Falls, NJ
Members from the Little Falls council greeted the group of volunteers at the supply tent. Before volunteers were dispatched, the council president shared a few words. “Thank you for showing up again. The last time we saw you [WeLoveU] was in 2018, which was only three years ago, and unfortunately this time, much more of the township of Little Falls is in dire need of your help,” said Little Falls Council President Anthony Sgobba.
“They’ve lost a lot of their possessions. They can’t even get rental cars to get to and from work, so the mayor sends his sincere thanks,” Sgobba continued.” “On behalf of the entire government and township of Little Falls, again, thank you for taking your time out on this holiday weekend and helping our residents at a time that is so desperate. Thank you so much.”
Volunteers came from the tri-state area. Around 10 a.m., they gathered at the Little Fall’s Athletic Field with cleaning supplies and tools. The participants were divided into teams to help as many families as possible. In total, the WeLoveU Foundation volunteers helped around 15 households.
The Rise of Climate Disasters
Unfortunately, the neighborhood is familiar with flooding. WeLoveU volunteers helped Rosario, a Little Falls resident, three years ago when her home flooded, and they’re back this time around. “I got about six inches of water, but I couldn’t wait and let the water sit so I spent like 30 hours cleaning,” she said. After volunteers helped clean her first floor, she expressed her gratitude to all who helped her.
However, it is not only the Northeast that is feeling the brunt of severe weather like Hurricane Ida. Recently, the Washington Post published an article that almost one in three Americans live in a county hit by a weather disaster. Climate-fueled disasters are expanding and accelerating since 2018.
“We feel very sorry to the families affected by this devastating storm,” said the International WeLoveU Foundation spokesperson. “We hope our efforts today can become a source of comfort to residents who not only lost their items, but in some cases their entire home, and really, their memories in those homes. We know this is just the beginning stages for them to recover fully, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to help in any way we can.”
Through disaster relief, the WeLoveU Foundation hopes to provide a sense of hope, courage, and comfort to those facing difficulties. As global warming takes effect and the worldwide phenomena of natural disasters leave their mark, the International WeLoveU Foundation works to clean, build and prepare our world for the future. WeLoveU aids organizations and neighbors in times of need.