About Hold on I'm coming a NJ nonprofit

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Disaster assistance on a personal scale. 

I lost my home in Sandy in 2012. During the initial clean-up in the first few weeks after the storm, I felt very lost and overwhelmed. A few days into the clean-up part of this journey, a man came into the yard with a cup of coffee in both hands. He asked if I wanted one. I said yes even though I do not like or drink coffee. I did not drink that one either, but it meant a lot to me that a total stranger cared. He asked if I needed anything else, but I told him I was good. I have never forgotten what that felt like and swore one day I would repay that kindness.  

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That time came to me in March of 2021.  I know what it feels like to live through a natural disaster.  I know how it feels to lose so much in an instant. I know the feeling of dread wondering; “How am I going to get my family through this?”. That is when I came up with the idea of Hold on I’m Coming (HOIC). It started as one person, one trailer filled with love and help. 100% of the items I give away are donated. Toiletries, first aid gear, hot and cold drinks, socks, hats, dog treats, toilet paper, chips, flashlights, and most importantly hot dogs. I also have a charging station. I play music to dull the sounds of generators and chainsaws. I can also be a shoulder to cry on and can relate to those who were affected by such disasters. These are simple things that mean so much to someone that has lost so much even if it just gives them a point of normalcy for a little while. 

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I want to be able to deliver help to people in need during one of the hardest times of their lives whether it be a natural or a man-made disaster. My mission is simple. I want to go where the trouble is and help as much as one person can.  My payment is the story.  The pride in knowing I did everything I could to make their situation better. 

 

I vividly remember what people did for me and how it helped me get through that very trying time.  Most of what was done for me was simple.  A thermos of hot chocolate, sometimes helping me clean up, bringing a pizza, then sitting down with me to eat it, forcing me to take a break, just talking.  Small selfless acts that were, to those who did it, not a big thing.  But to me, they are things I will never forget.  My life forever changed during that time...not just my financial and living conditions, but the way I looked at helping people and the compelling desire to do so.   

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I am a teacher, a lifeguard, and a coach.  My entire life has been about helping and teaching.  I never walk away from someone in need. I always get involved when someone needs help. I do not follow, I lead.  I live for the rush of helping others. I hate that people will sometimes need help or maybe suffer.  But if they are going through that, why can I not be the one to help fix it?

 

My ultimate hope is that through my actions, others will pay it forward and do the same when they hear someone is in trouble or if someone needs help.  If they have the means, they will now be the ones who help fix it. I have put together a mobile unit that within a few hours is on the road to supply those in need with the necessities needed to start their recovery.

 

The trailer sits filled with non-perishables loaded and ready to go immediately.  Perishables and other items specific to the event are purchased or collected via donations prior to departure. 

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Due to our small size and the fact we are completely self-sufficient we can get into areas larger organizations that need infrastructure cannot get to. Also, we do not have to answer to anyone or coordinate with others, we can mobilize in hours not days.

 

We have two trailers one is our food and supplies trailer and the second is an ice trailer that will bring ice to the area for anyone that needs it.