Lindenhurst lets United Way handle Sandy funds

Village of Lindenhurst officials have arranged to let the United Way of Long Island manage and distribute money the village raised for victims of superstorm Sandy.

Village board members voted Tuesday to sign a memorandum of understanding with the United Way to handle the roughly $71,000 in Hurricane Sandy Relief funds the village raised.

Theresa Regnante, president and CEO of United Way of Long Island, said the Lindenhurst fund is one of several, totaling more than $1.5 million, that the organization plans to distribute to Sandy victims in collaboration with the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island.

The money is intended for those with "an array of needs that a homeowner might have" ranging from paying utility bills to buying a new oil burner, Regnante said. The organization is targeting households that earn $90,000 a year or less, she said.

The amount given out will vary, but Lindenhurst has asked that its funds be limited to $2,500 per household. Regnante said residents can receive money from more than one fund the organization manages.

Lindenhurst residents can apply by calling the 211 help line or picking up an application from Lindenhurst Village Hall.

Those applying for assistance will work with a disaster case manager who will bring the case before an "unmet needs roundtable," to discuss a course of action, Regnante said. The aim is to work quickly to help residents and -- within 48 hours after the roundtable meets -- the money will be directly paid to vendors, she said.

Money can be donated through the website: villageoflindenhurst.com/relief.htm.