Westchester Nonprofits Work Together to Provide Storm Relief
As tens of thousands in Westchester struggle with damage to their homes and businesses, no power or heat and limited access to food and water, the nonprofit community is doing what it does best: helping people.
Thousands of calls and requests are being handled by agencies used to stepping up to manage emergencies, according to Nonprofit Westchester, an organization representing Westchester’s leading nonprofit groups,
“Most nonprofits provide services under the radar, bolstering the public with kindness, expertise and diligence,” said Joanna Straub, executive director of Nonprofit Westchester. “It is only in a crisis such as the recent storm that their role becomes more visible in the county. They are the safety net that often goes unnoticed until there is an urgent need.”
The nonprofit community in Westchester is hard at work aiding Hurricane Sandy victims in the aftermath of the storm. Here is a list of some of the organizations and where to go for help.
United Way’s 2-1-1: With expanded hours of operation, 2-1-1 has received thousands of calls, serving as a resource for people who are looking for information about storm recovery and alleviating pressure on 9-1-1 and other government agencies. United Way is also initiating a Westchester Disaster Recovery Fund in collaboration with Westchester County. This will address long term recovery, after immediate response efforts have been completed. Contact: Shannon Cobb at 203-300-3300.
The Volunteer Center of United Way: Assessing volunteer needs and posting opportunities for people to help on their website www.volunteer-center.org. Contact: Alisa Kesten at 914-980-2574.
Open Door Family Medical Services: Unlike many venues, Open Door kept its doors open in Ossining Monday and Tuesday in order to provide essential medical services. Port Chester location was closed through Thursday due to a power outage, but limited transportation to other locations was being provided. Contact: Lindsay Farrell at 914-502-1457.
MHA of Westchester: Case workers were out checking on clients, those with mental health disabilities. In many cases, these individuals often do not have family and/or friends who they can rely on for assistance, and are typically economically disadvantaged. MHA caseworkers may be the only ones who connect with them, ensuring that they have what they need. Staff are covering for other staff members who were affected by the storm to ensure that clients’ needs are met. Contact: Amy Kohn at 914-330-6718.
Westchester Libraries: Are offering heat, Internet access, electricity to charge cell phones, coffee. Every seat is taken, with folding tables and chairs set up in conference rooms to provide space for as many people as possible. Contact: Terry Kirchner at Westchester Library System at 914-674-3600.
Neighbors Link: Despite a power outage, the center has remained open to serve its clients. The day laborer community will be conducting a clean-up day where volunteer day laborers will come together to help clean up the village sidewalks of debris.They typically do about two or three of these a year and are planning one for this week because of the storm. Contact: Marianne Delaney, development director, at 666-3410 ext. 14.
As the recovery continues, other nonprofits will join Nonprofit Westchester in serving those affected by the storm in the greater Westchester community.
Nonprofit Westchester advocates on behalf of nonprofits and works to improve public awareness and build the capacity of nonprofits in the community. The nonprofit sector in Westchester is comprised of over 5,000 organizations that collectively employ nearly 100,000 people. For more information, visit www.npwestchester.org.
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.
