1 year and 3 months - Marissa Bernowitz
Over a year after Hurricane Sandy devastated her community, 26-year-old Marissa Bernowitz and her two sons are still displaced and are living in her mother’s two bedroom apartment on Rockaway Beach Boulevard with nine other family members.
Aside from her own situation, Marissa is still dedicated to helping the thousands of others affected in Rockaway to get back on their feet. Her tireless efforts to continue with The Rockaway Free Flea Market, The Secret Sandy Claus project among many other community endeavours, has proved to be invaluable to the still struggling community.
Reaching out via social media and creating her own telephone hotline, Marissa has built a vast network of connections, which is a lifeline for many families. Sourcing food, building supplies, furniture, toys, household items and even submitting FEMA paper work for many who need the help.
