OCEAN GATE – You can’t imagine what it’s like losing your home in a disaster unless it has happened to you.
When Mark Haug rolls up at the site of a flood, he brings more than food and supplies; he brings empathy because he’s been there.
Haug lost his house in Superstorm Sandy. One thing that struck him during that dark time was how many people came to bring the light. Neighbors helping neighbors and strangers helping strangers.
“With all those people helping me I decided to pay it back,” he said.
Three years ago he bought a trailer and created Hold On, I’m Coming – a resource for people at their lowest point.
He’s gone to Kentucky, Florida, Vermont, Pennsylvania and parts of New Jersey. As long as it’s close enough that he can drive it, he can often get there before the Red Cross.
“Everything’s packed and ready to go. I can be ready to go in one and a half hours,” he said. He stays until long-term relief efforts (such as the Red Cross) get situated. He’ll provide immediate needs and then they’ll provide next level care.
In his trailer, he brings toiletries, socks, blankets and other necessities. There’s also comfort food like soup, chili, hot dogs and chips. Hot and cold drinks like coffee and Gatorade are available.
People can charge their devices at his station, and he also brings different types of charging cords in case people need them.
Hand sanitizer is available but there are also items that you might not expect him to have, such as dog treats.
One request he frequently fielded was for ice. People needed it to keep medicines or baby formula cold. It’ll also keep food from spoiling. So, he just recently started a second trailer with an ice machine that can generate 500 lbs of ice. The ice machine has filters which is significant because local water sources are often impacted.
Once he’s set up operations, a curious thing happens. People in surrounding towns who want to help bring their own donations and drop them off to him to dole out.
“It’s been amazing,” he said. “It’s been far more than I expected. I think everyone knows someone who’s been through this.”
For more information, or ways to make donations, visit HoldOnImComing.com.
