TRANSDIASPORA NETWORK’S HURRICANE DISASTER RELIEF
Let’s Lead the Recovery Together; Coney Island Needs You… Now!

Saturday, November 10th, 2012 – 11:00AM – 3:00PM
Urban Neighborhood Services
1718 Mermaid Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11224 map

Items Needed: blankets, candles, flashlights, water, toothpaste, packaged/fresh food, batteries, food canes, diaper wipes, gloves, masks, rubber boots, shovels cleaning supplies and bleach, trash bags, serving dishes… and anything that produces heat winter wear (jackets, hats, gloves, warm stuff)

Partners: The CityKids Foundation – Stroock & Stroock & Lavan – Families at KIPP Washington Heights Middle School – Global Potential –

Parents As Primary Teachers – Human Intonation – B Condoms – a local church

Transdiaspora Network (TDN) was one of the few non-profit organizations in NYC to conduct an in-site community assessment (only a day after) of Coney Island’s devastated area in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy on Nov. 1st. As a consequence, Transdiaspora Network planned, organized, strategized and executed, in less than 5 days, a very complex collaborative effort as well as an efficient and effective hurricane disaster relief on November 10th.

Our emergency relief effort was an outstanding success. Several donations were provided and valued in more than $10,000*, a massive group of volunteers, nearly 100 people, showed up and more than 400 Coney Island local residents were served through this effort including children. For future donations, you can contact Urban Neighborhood Services at admin@uns-inc.org. Thank you for your support!

*includes in-kind donation services and rental space

Gallery
– Disaster Zone (photo album) [Nov. 1, 2012]
– Needs Assessment & Community Outreach Weekend (photos) [Nov. 2-3, 2012]
– Hurricane Disaster Relief Effort (photo album) [Nov. 10, 2012]
– Hurricane Disaster Relief video [4:09 min]

Testimonials

“Saturday was an amazing day and I am happy that so many volunteers cared enough to come down to Coney Island and bring a little happiness to residents who are going through a hard time. It was a day that I will remember for a very long time.” – Mathylde Frontus, Executive Director, Urban Neighborhood Services.

“It was an absolutely amazing day and our young people and staff felt very proud they were able to contribute their time to Coney Island. The experience truly touched everyone. All the volunteers on Saturday were so helpful and willing to do anything that was needed. We got a lot accomplished. Glad we were able to partner with you.” – Stacey Whalen, volunteer; The CityKids Foundation’s Director of Education & Support Services.

“Your ability to plan and execute such a successful relief effort on such short notice, and in light of so many challenges (expected and unexpected), was very inspiring to us… we are grateful that dedicated community leaders like Ariel Rojas and his crew are on the front lines of the recovery effort in NYC.” – Kerry Cooperman, volunteer; Stroock, Stroock & Lavan Associate.

“Our families were extremely enthusiastic about helping victims of Hurricane Sandy and excited about a venue to do so. We have a tremendous amount of gratitude for distributing these items to those in need.” – Katie Potocnik Medina, Social Worker, KIPP Washington Heights Middle School.

“It was both fulfilling and devastating to take part in the Coney Island relief effort this past weekend. Many of the people are still without power, spending cold nights in their cold homes; others are starting over from scratch because everything they’ve ever owned was swept away. I felt like there wasn’t enough I could do, but was happy to be able to do what we could. Hoping they get back on their feet soon.” – Lori Dooley, volunteer.

“What happened Saturday changed a lot in my life. I feel like I did something really good. I cried and I thought I wasn’t going to. People actually said ‘god bless you’ to me. I would love to do this again no matter where and when.” – Francesca Belliard, CityKids teen volunteer.

“After this experience helping those in need after Hurricane Sandy, I realized how grateful I should be. These people allow me to see what it is like to be in a place where there are no resources. Helping these people out made me feel like I can be part of the community and help out.” – Tiffany Fung, CityKids teen volunteer.

“I am a Junior at Hyde Leadership Charter High School in the South Bronx (…), I am glad to have served in the Brooklyn community after Hurricane Sandy. At the event, I handed clothes and supplies to the people in need. I saw the look of relief on their faces and helping them out made me feel useful as a teen. I really enjoyed my experience there and definitely recommend and encourage other youth to participate in community held services such as this one because nothing feels better than lending a hand.” – Graciela Rodriguez, Global Potential teen volunteer.