MOONACHIE, N.J. - Rebuilding Together Bergen County, NJ, an affiliate of national nonprofit Rebuilding Together, a Safe and Healthy Housing organization that believes Community Starts at Home, has partnered with Popular Mechanics magazine to renovate a home flooded by Hurricane Sandy last fall. Located in Moonachie, NJ, the home belongs to "Jim," a 77-year old resident who spent his early childhood there.

Popular Mechanics, a national magazine with over 8.8 million readers, and Rebuilding Together teamed up to help paint the home's interior, doors and trim, and assist with appliance installation and yard clean-up. The hurricane flooded the home with several feet of water, damaging walls and floor and forcing Jim out of his home for months with only a few personal items he was able to collect before evacuating.

Extensive water damage required mold remediation services and installation of new sump pump. The home represents the sixth project Popular Mechanics has supported with employee volunteers and funding since first partnering with Rebuilding Together in 2008.

"Every year, Popular Mechanics works with Rebuilding Together to help families get home again," says Popular Mechanics Publisher Michael Kuntz. "This year, we knew we needed to help someone affected by Hurricane Sandy, and our readers can learn all about it in our upcoming September issue, where we chronicle how 'DIY means doing good'. We, along with Chevrolet Silverado, Delta Faucets, FrogTape, and KILZ, are honored to be able to give Jim his home back."

Rebuilding Together Bergen County enlisted the professional services and skills of IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) Local 164 members who volunteered their time to remove and replace damaged electrical wiring throughout the residence. Local businesses Feldman's Electrical Supply, Kuiken Brothers and Rebuilding Together national partners Lowe's, Sherwin Williams, Sears and Allstate funded or provided in-kind hardware and supplies to help complete the renovation. The total scope of work included installation of insulation and sheetrock, replacement of subflooring, new carpeting and linoleum, new kitchen cabinets, counter, sink and appliances, and a new bathroom.

"With the enthusiastic support of its employee volunteers and generous corporate funding, Popular Mechanics will allow Jim to move back home since evacuating after the storm," said Gretchen Viggiano, executive director of Rebuilding Together Bergen County. "Bringing individuals and families back to homes that are now safe and healthy is our mission, and we're proud to have worked on 108 homes affected by Hurricane Sandy, serving 148 of our neighbors right here in Bergen County."

ABOUT REBUILDING TOGETHER

Rebuilding Together is a Safe and Healthy Housing organization that believes Community Starts at Home. Our focus provides critical repairs, accessibility modifications and energy efficient upgrades to low-income homes and community centers at no cost to service recipients. Our impact extends beyond the individuals served to revitalize and stabilize vulnerable neighborhoods and communities across the country. Our close to 200 local affiliates complete nearly 10,000 rebuild projects a year thanks to the efforts of nearly 200,000 volunteers from corporate partners, skilled trades professionals and everyday good citizens. Visit us online today at www.RebuildingTogether.org to join our efforts.

ABOUT POPULAR MECHANICS

Every month, Popular Mechanics (PM) magazine instructs and influences more than 8.8 million active readers. They are engaged with breakthroughs on the latest innovations in science, technology. In-depth, hands-on editorial educates with "how-to" stories on digital technology, automotive, and the home. Plus, PM motivates curious consumers to act, with product reviews and comparisons on all the latest equipment and products to satisfy their many interests and passions. Popular Mechanics is also the #1-ranked men's monthly magazine when it comes to reaching an environmentally conscious audience. The brand is a 21st-century must-read, with a robust website (popularmechanics.com) and an award-winning tablet edition. Follow Popular Mechanics on Twitter @PopMech.

Source: Rebuilding Together