The Community Development Corp. of Long Island (CDCLI) recognized two families that told their stories of why Home Matters, in the aftermath of superstorm Sandy. The families were presented with an award by Suffolk County executive Steve Bellone during the organization's Annual Gala Luncheon event, held at the Crest Hollow Country Club.
"The stories we heard today underscore the importance of home in all of our lives and that's why CDCLI is proud to be a leading force behind the new national movement called Home Matters. Home Matters unites America around home as the bedrock for thriving lives, families, communities and a stronger nation," said Marianne Garvin, president and CEO of CDCLI.
Home Matters is a nationwide movement spearheaded by the National NeighborWorks Association, and has grown since its launch in March. More than 170 organizations are now on board, along with thousands of individual supporters. The goal of the movement is to reach every state and community in the nation, to build an understanding of how a stable, affordable home affects so many important facets of American life.
Earlier this year, CDCLI reached out to Long Islanders to request stories about why Home Matters, especially in light of the devastation caused by Superstorm Sandy. The organization received many submissions from across Long Island, and choosing the two finalists was a daunting task. When the judging was over the decision was made to honor The Gleixner family of Lindenhurst and The Robinson family of Long Beach. Both families told compelling stories of their challenges - both very different, yet equally emotional. Each family remains displaced from the place they once called home - but are thankful for the ability to be with their families and are looking toward the future.
"I am proud to have the opportunity to recognize and present to the two families who have been chosen to receive $2,500 in assistance to help with their rebuilding efforts," said Bellone. "Long Islanders have been truly resilient as many continue to deal with the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. To be displaced from your home is a very difficult challenge but these two families took the opportunity to share their stories in such a compelling way that they now have been provided additional resources that will help them as they continue to return to a sense of normalcy. I thank Marianne Garvin, the CDCLI and TD Bank for creating an opportunity for families affected by Superstorm Sandy to be recognized and to be given a voice to share their stories."



"Having the opportunity to make my video provided a sense of closure for me, and made me realize that the things that are truly irreplaceable are still with me. Family is what makes Home Matter," said Angela Gleixner of Lindenhurst, who created a moving video to share the story of how she lost her home, and most of her belongings during superstorm Sandy. Ms. Gleixner's video was shared with the nearly 500 guests in attendance at the luncheon, and can be found on CDCLI's You Tube channel www.youtube.com/user/CDCLongIsland.

The place Eva Robinson and her family once called home will be demolished shortly. The storm came on the heels of her son's surprise visit home from a Navy deployment. "I am so grateful to CDCLI for selecting my story and for the opportunity to share with others. Before Sandy, home was the place where we enjoyed life and felt safe. Although we lost our home, our community stood together through everything, and for us, that really showed us why Home Matters', said Robinson.

Thanks to the generosity of TD Bank, each family received a check for $2500, as part of the award pool designated to the effort. "TD Bank is proud to support CDCLI in its efforts to assist Long Island homeowners who were severely impacted by superstorm Sandy," said Edward Blaskey, TD Bank's Market President for Suburban New York.

"As the people of Long Island continue to recover from the effects of superstorm Sandy, these stories remind us why Home Matters," said Marianne Garvin, President and CEO of CDCLI. "The victims of the storm learned, in the hardest way possible, what so many of us take for granted - that Home is one of the most important things in our lives."

CDCLI encourages Long Islanders to join the Home Matters movement. To join - or to learn more, simply log on to www.HomeMattersAmerica.com. Or, use #ShareHomeIs on Twitter and Facebook to share what home means to you.



About Community Development Corporation of Long Island
Community Development Corporation of Long Island (CDCLI) is a not-for-profit organization that supports Long Islanders pursuing their housing and small business dreams. Since its inception 44 years ago, CDCLI invests its resources, talents and knowledge in households, small business and communities. Last fiscal year alone, CDCLI served more than 18,000 Long Islanders investing nearly $131 million into their communities. For more information, please visit www.cdcli.org. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cdcoflongisland and follow us on Twitter @cdclongisland. Tags: