Oakland Church Offers Respite to Those Without Power

Slowly, people are starting to trickle in to Ponds Reformed Church in Oakland. The facilities will be open for the next few days to recharge your battery (literally), cook a hot meal or just to take a shower.

“In general, we're helping however we've been asked to help,” said Rev. Nathan Busker Wednesday afternoon. “Right now, our entire facility is open all day because we have power, and we have internet.”

As dinner-time approached Wednesday, he figured more people would start coming in. Some are already there, charging their phones or just warming up. A few kids have stopped in to get out of the house and play for a while, according to Busker.

The church has identified temporary emergency shelters, which are homes owned by congregation members that have a sub-panel to run a generator. The parsonage, where the pastor lives, is one of those homes. Right now, a young couple from Freehold with a baby on the way is staying with the pastor and his family until their power comes back on.

The biggest problem they're facing now is simply communication. People are trying to get the word out on foot to let people know that these things are available at Ponds Church.

“It's warmed my heart to see how many people have called me up to offer whatever they have to help out other citizens of Oakland,” said Busker. “It's very encouraging.”

Ponds Reformed Church is located at 341 Ramapo Valley Road. You can reach them at 201-337-6744.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help will also be available to people tomorrow between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. They have a full kitchen, dining hall, and a large screen television. They are located at 117 Franklin Avenue, and you can reach them at 201-337-5537.

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