Much-needed relief money is now coming to some New Jersey communities where homes and businesses were badly damaged by flooding. The City of Paterson partnered with the United Way of Passaic County on Wednesday to create a new flooding relief fund.

Michele Ortega and her family were out of their home for nine days due to the flooding. Her father, stepmother and 14-year-old sister were forced to spend the holidays in a hotel. She counts herself as fortunate because they were able to find somewhere to stay. Not everyone was as lucky.

MORE: Paterson residents deal with flooded cars, scattered debris on streets

“For someone that’s working, and I found that difficult. Then comes the people that are unemployed, people with disabilities, people that don’t have extra incomes to pay for hotels or places to stay,” Ortega said.

The process for how people can apply for funding is still being ironed out. News 12 has been told they will be holding meetings throughout the week and more information will be made available soon.