Danny lived in his home for 21 years, the Millstone River in his backyard. During Hurricane Irene, the lower floor of his home took in 8 feet of water. He soon signed up for the Blue Acres program, in which NJ purchases storm-damaged homes in flood-prone areas and preserves the land as open space.
The program requires attorney representation at the closing, so Danny called VLJ for help. VLJ placed his case with long-time volunteer Peter Balsamo, who represented Danny through the complicated process. "The paperwork was stressful, but working with Peter and VLJ was a dream."
Sitting in the backyard of his former home next to the Millstone River, Danny lamented the loss of his house, but was glad he was given the opportunity to move on. "When you live in a flood zone, there's always that fear when it rains. I feel better now that I don't have to worry about water," he said.
After helping Danny with the close out of his destroyed home, Peter also helped Danny with the purchase of his new home and he has been in there for a year and a half now.
““If I didn’t have Peter and VLJ’s help, I wouldn’t be where I am now.””