As if anyone needed a reminder, it's been four months since Hurricane Sandy caused untold amounts of damage to the eastern seaboard of the United States. For those more fortunate, perhaps a blip in power service was the extent of the impact that the storm had. Many, many others, however, were far and away much less fortunate. Homes - streets, even - were wiped clean off their foundations and carried out to an unforgiving sea, nature erasing them from our record with a mere shrug.
To this day, the shore areas in New Jersey and New York look like emaciated war zones in parts. Rebuilding is a slow, unsteady process, and the inhabitants of these areas are still struggling with what to do with their partially or completely demolished homes and businesses. Andrew Link, an automotive and portrait photographer based in Staten Island, NY, flew home from covering an automotive show in Las Vegas immediately after the storm to find his hometown and surrounding area in ruins. Once the sun came up, he set out with a Fuji X100 to document the completely changed world around him.
A burned-down business on Midland Avenue, Staten Island
A boat that settled in the middle of Tennyson Dr., Staten Island.
A car demolished by debris and a TV impaled on fencing
A home that was ripped from its foundations on Kissam Ave., now resting in weeds
Andrew visited other locations, such as Seaside Heights, shown here
Since then, he helped a friend establish the Rebuild Staten Island Foundation, dedicated to providing funding and volunteer assistance to residents who need help rebuilding their homes. He photographed this process as well, while volunteering his time to his neighbors. Since its inception, the foundation has helped more than 800 families in the shore areas to rebuild, with many people volunteering during the week and on weekends.
A home being gutted on Marine Way with the assistance of the Rebuild Staten Island Foundation
A hopeful and thankful message written on a Midland Beach home
A message written by a former homeowner inside a wall of a gutted home
Christmas lights adorn cables from a generator after a Rebuild Staten Island home cleanout
Through these photographs, Andrew hopes to raise awareness of how much work there is left to be done, despite dwindling news coverage. Many have already been able to rebuild, and some are still awaiting help from the government, volunteers, friends and family. Hurricane Sandy taught many people not to underestimate the power of the Earth's natural forces, but also that the neighbors you may not know are often ready to help in a time of need.
Visit Andrew's website at: www.andrewlinkphotography.com
Tim Kauger is a blogger and photographer based in Short Hills, NJ. You can visit his website here.