Easy Ways to Help Storm Victims

We are fine--have power, water, no flooding, etc. A few trees are down in our neighborhood, and there is minimal wind damage (awnings and street signs blown around). We feel very fortunate to live in a high part of the city.

I am back at work as of yesterday and subways started limited service today.

It is hard to know how to help, but a few easy things you can do from home are to order items at Target or Amazon and have them shipped to shelters/non-profits that are doign great work right now.

Here are some ideas/contacts...from Shaun in the City

Please forgive any errors.  This post has not been edited and these are my raw, real-time thoughts.)

Do not bother any of these people unless you are prepared to help right away. They are swamped, stressed, and don’t have time for BS.  If you don’t have to call them or email them at all, don’t.  Just follow my instructions.  If you have to reach out to them, OK, but treat them like gold.

If you need to contact me, email me @ shaun@hopemob.org.  This is best. You can also text my cell @ 678.641.5016.

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QUEENS

Over 100+ homes were burned down in Queens.  The families there need SO MUCH help.

“We need:  Clothes, boots, underwear, socks.  It wasn’t that cold last week but now it is.  People evacuated and didn’t bring warm clothes.

We also need toiletries — feminine hygiene products, razors, baby wipes, diapers, soap, maybe those personal face wipe things.  on a secondary level — kids might like toys. things to comfort them.”

I’ve made a trusted contact there.  Her name is Katie Honan.  Her email address is katie.honan27@gmail.com.

All supplies can be taken directly to St. Frances De Sales Parish and directions can be found here.

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LOWER MANHATTAN

400 formerly homeless people in desperate need.

“Your help over the next few days will be much appreciated.  While we would love to organize volunteer programs, the communication situation makes this impossible.  Instead, we would welcome donations of basic items, such as bottled water, flashlights, blankets, canned goods, peanut butter, tuna fish, granola bars, bread, fresh fruit, nuts, crackers, juice, and other items that don’t require refrigeration or a lot of preparation.

We are accepting food donations at our East Village Access program site at 242 East 2nd Street (between Avenue C and B) on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 10AM and 3PM.

More info @ http://www.communityaccess.org/ways-to-give

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New Jersey

Families in Newark have run out of diapers, wipes, and basic baby supplies.  If you can take them today that would be awesome.  My friends @ Covenant House are amazing.  The address is: 330 Washington Street | Newark, NJ 07102

You can mail them these diapers from our Amazon registry here.