finediony New Jersey news: Preview of FEMA trailers for NJ residents

Web produced by Jennifer Matarese, Eyewitness NewsUNION BEACH, N.J. (WABC) -- The devastation in Union Beach is so extensive and there are dozens of other homes on Shore Road that are destroyed.

FEMA officials said Tuesday that 50 trailers will go out to New Jersey residents starting next week.

Eyewitness News got a preview of what residents can expect.

40 FEMA trailers have been parked at Great Adventure since early November.

Starting next week, some New Jersey residents who lost everything in Hurricane Sandy will call these one and two-bedroom units home.

"If you've lost everything and you come into this, you will feel a little more relaxed," said Steve Minnick, of FEMA.

Inside the trailers, the basics; a couch and dining room table in the living room, a bed and a dresser in each bedroom, and one full bathroom.

For people who lost everything, FEMA provides the kitchen essentials, including a coffee maker, pots and pans, utensils, and even a weather radio to alert families when another storm is on the way.

FEMA officials say the trailers will be provided for free to qualified families. They will be set up in mobile home parks, outside of flood zones, and will be home for about 18 months.

"Rental units are our primary option for long term housing," said Chris McKniff, of FEMA.

In Union Beach, which sustained some of the worst storm damage, many believe the trailers are a better long-term solution than hotel rooms or extended stays with relatives.

"If they get a trailer they have a place to store it and have a Christmas," said Joann Peperoni, a storm victim.

Others wonder why the trailers have been parked in an empty parking lot for six weeks, instead of being shipped out to people who need them.

Konstantine and his neighbor lost their homes along the water.

"She has nothing and her whole lifelong possessions are in that house. Gone. She is right back to where she started," said Konstantine Zios, a storm victim.

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