An update on ways you can help those affected by Hurricane Sandy in Brooklyn and beyond. Be sure to read our previous post about relief efforts, including those by the Brooklyn Recovery Fund, the Old Stone House and Park Slope Parents, and the Red Hook Initiative.
Bicycle Convoy to the Rockaways
Bicycle Habitat (475 Fifth Ave. at 11th Street) is collecting supplies for residents in the Rockaways, who were hit especially hard and are in need of more supplies and support. You can bring small items to the store for collection:
- Moist towelettes, cleaning/baby wipes (for bathing)
- Warm clothing (winter-focused: hats, sweaters, hand warmers)
- Work gloves
- Batteries, flashlights, lighting solutions
- Non-perishable foods that do not require cooking or heat
- Cleaning products, sprays [update: this need is less than good winter clothing]
All deliveries will be biked out to the Rockaways by employees in convoy Tuesday.
Park Slope Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber is coordinating donation efforts to the victims of Hurricane Sandy and distribution to communities on the shoreline from Staten Island, Breezy Point/Rockaway Area, and Red Hook. Drop-off sites are TB Shaw Realty Associates, 197 Seventh Ave. (between Second and Third Streets); and Two Boots Restaurant, 514 Second St. (between Seventh and Eighth Avenues).
Visit the Chamber’s website for a list of goods needed.
Helping in Local Shelters
Park Slope has been home to two emergency shelters for evacuees, at the John Jay High School campus and at the Park Slope Armory. Congregation Beth Elohim “adopted’ the shelters and have been cooking, feeding, clothing and lending aid to the evacuees, busloads of which came from the Rockaways and other devastated waterfront communities.
You can sign up for Beth Elohim’s relief efforts here., or visit their Facebook page for updates.
Historic District Help
Even though the New York Landmarks Conservancy’s office building at One Whitehall Street is still undergoing electrical repairs, staff is working from home and are prepared to respond to your questions and needs. They will make site visits if necessary.
Contact the Conservancy if you need assistance with a landmarked home or other structure; contact President Peg Breen at pegbreen@nylandmarks.org or 917.734.5656. If you have technical questions, contact AlexHerrera@nylandmarks.org (917.734.3342) or ColleenHeemeyer@nylandmarks.org (917.399.6116). Alex can also respond to nonprofit emergency grant requests. Also, for the loan fund or emergency grants for nonprofits, BlairWalsh@nylandmarks.org (908.461.4728).
Sheepshead Bay
Residents of this Brooklyn community or organizing efforts to clean up their neighborhood. Visit their Facebook page to learn how to volunteer.