Update #9
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
9:00am
Good Morning -
As the power comes back on and as we continue to care for our congregations, overall, the diocese is stabilizing. There is still much to be done, and there are pockets that are still without power. As we stabilize, we are now entering a phase in which we can be part of the wider recovery effort. Our purpose in responding to disasters is to serve our wider community.
As we move into the short-term recovery stage, the nature of offers to help is changing and coming from further away. I have heard from people in Virginia, Texas, South Carolina, and Tennessee who want to come help us. While the impulse to help is genuine, the diocese is not currently set up to take advantage of these kinds of offers. And to be fair, the relief agencies aren't yet, either, but they will be.
Yesterday, I said that I was working on a plan for Region II in case the predicted northeaster came while there was no power. Now that power is being restored, I have stopped those efforts and instead ask each parish to know in advance what you would do for your at risk parishioners and neighbors if the storm comes and power is knocked out.
We had another conference call with Katie Mears yesterday afternoon - many thanks to all who participated. The results of the call are summarized below.
Update:
Staten Island: Chuck Howell reports that spontaneous volunteers have arrived on Staten Island to help those affected by the devastation. Crews are going door to door offering their services to shift debris, help homeowners - and to help with whatever is needed.
Manhattan: Winnie Varghese has discovered more needs in her neighborhood: persons moving back into their high-rise apartments are continuing to have to deal with flooded basements - which means no power - and the damage caused by flooding. She is continuing her outreach to the community and has posted a request for Volunteers on our new Facebook EDNY Volunteer Opportunities page.
Region II: Power is coming back in Rockland County. Dutchess county is reported to be fine. The town of Bedford, in Westchester County, is reported to be in bad shape with little power and numerous trees down.
Food collections: The need for food and areas needing food is changing on a daily basis. After some discussion on yesterday's call, the priority for restocking the food pantries in Region II was established. St Stephen's, Pearl River, and St John's, Peekskill, continue to be the parishes designated to receive food from the Mid-Hudson region. Now that power is coming back, we are in the process of identifying additional parishes in Region II to receive food donations but they aren't finalized yet. Manhattan: St Mark's in-the-Bowery needs food, water, and blankets for people in their neighborhood. Staten Island: still needs food at this time.
Food pick-up and distribution: we are continuing the north to south flow of food. I may have caused some confusion about who is picking food up and apologize for not having been clear: I can arrange for volunteers to pick food up in NYC, but for food pick ups in the Mid-Hudson region and Region II, please try to coordinate with neighboring parishes to deliver donated items to the designated drop-off parishes of St Stephen's and St John's.
Food from the Bronx and Manhattan is going to St John's and Christ Church, New Brighton, Staten Island for further redistribution where it is needed there.
EDNY Volunteers: Volunteers are now being directed to Ms. Kari Morris at ednyvolunteers@gmail.com. Additionally, we have created a new Facebook page, EDNY Volunteer Opportunities, to post needs for Volunteers and for Volunteers to respond. Please visit the page and use it if you need a Volunteer to help with womething.
In the midst of everything, remember to vote!
Thank you for all that you are doing, and God bless you.
Stephen+
