The staff and volunteers at World Cares Center extend their most heartfelt and sincere condolences to all those affected by the devastating tornadoes which ravaged the Midwest.  

We are actively working alongside our partners throughout the Midwest and New York regions to assess the needs of the communities most impacted by the destruction.

We have begun collecting an assortment of items including diapers, baby food and new clothing. Our centers throughout New York City, including the Rockaways and Staten Island, are currently taking donations of these items.  To find out the addresses and hours of any one of these locations, please email our staff at operations@worldcares.org or call 212-563-7570. We are presently only accepting the above mentioned items, as they have been directly requested from those in need.

Please note that cash donations are always accepted to cover additional relief supplies and operational costs.

As many of you readers may recall, the Oklahoma City Survivors Network lent their support during the 9/11 relief effort and has continued to do so throughout a number of catastrophic events. It is our time to give back and provide assistance and aid to those areas hardest hit.

On Wednesday, May 15^th, State Court Judge Margaret A. Chan ruled that New York City must extend its Hotel Program for Superstorm Sandy evacuees beyond the cutoff date of May 31^st.

This ruling has undoubtedly provided a great sense of relief for the hundreds of residents still displaced as a result of this disaster.

World Cares Center knows, firsthand, how difficult and long of a process home recovery can be. It is clear that this is not something that can be achieved in merely a few months’ time and it is great to know that this recent ruling will help so many Sandy evacuees who are still without permanent residence.

When the City’s evacuation centers closed, the Mayor’s Office of Housing Recovery Operations contracted with fifty hotels to provide short-term sheltering. Since its development, the Hotel Program has sheltered 1,260 households, representing 3,132 individuals at an approximate cost of $45 million, which has climbed up to $47 million as of May 15, 2013. According to the most recent data taken by FEMA, 182 families remain under the auspices of the Hotel Program.

All those sheltered in the Hotel Program were assigned a case manager and given housing, medical and financial resources, which included short-, medium and long-term housing solutions. To say that this program became a vital resource to many displaced residents is an understatement.

Termination of the program was originally set for April 20^th. It was later extended to May 15^th, and just recently to May 31^st. However, Judge Chan ruled that the deadline of May 31^st will be extended. She did not specifically mention how long the program would continue for, but stated that “18 to 24 months from the date of the storm was a reasonable guidepost”. This would prolong the program by approximately another 7 months.

It’s time to celebrate Global Youth Service Day, an annual event that engages our youth in volunteerism throughout the world. As we wrap up a week-long series of trainings for youth called, “Masters of Disasters:  Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Training for Youth,” World Cares Center applauds all the dedicated teens we trained in Westchester, Staten Island, and the Rockaways.  We also want to thank our partners at Huguenot Memorial Church and New Dorp High School. 

World Cares Center’s Master of Disaster training sessions combine fun, interactive activities with valuable emergency preparedness tools.  One of the takeaways our youth attendees will teach others is:  “the importance of making sure that whatever room you secure yourself in when weathering a natural disaster must be window-less and door-less and isolated from any falling debris.” 

Our goal is to empower youth as they take on the role of ready responders and community leaders.  Throughout these trainings, the focus has been on:

• The decision-making processes that support teens as they tackle emergency situations;
•  Handling home emergencies in a calm manner through role play and knowledge-building exercises;
• Pledging to support community members such as friends and neighbors during times of crisis;
• Utilizing preparedness tools such as emergency meeting place maps, ICE (In Case of Emergency) cards, and call trees.

Stay tuned to our website for a special video that documents the incredible journey these youth leaders are taking.  Building resilience in communities throughout the Tri-State depends on our youth leaders. These trainings prove that empowerment through preparedness is in full swing as our youth pledge to take on whatever challenges lie ahead.

As we await more details on yesterday’s devastating bombing attack at the Boston Marathon, we at World Cares Center want to extend our deepest sympathies to the victims and their families.  The city of Boston has endured a horrific crisis that harkens memories of the terrorist attacks of 9/11.  There is still so much that needs to be uncovered about the specifics of the attack itself, but we should take a moment to reflect on the response to the attack.  We’d like to acknowledge the fact that many medical personnel, police and military officers, and civilians worked together yesterday to respond quickly and decisively to meet the needs of the wounded.  There were many reports, from runners at the event, from Massachusetts Governor DevalPatrick, and from investigators, that volunteers made a huge difference in the response to this attack.  Whether they were called “helpers,” “volunteers,” or “concerned civilians,” their presence was felt at the moment of greatest need to do what had to be done – to help in any way they could by demonstrating what Governor Deval Patrick called “extraordinary kindness.”  

In the years since 9/11, and in the wake of natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy, we have come to cherish our first responders – those men and women who officially or unofficially spring into action to help during times of crisis.  We don’t know yet what the long-term impact of these bombings will be, but we are reminded once again of the difference that an everyday citizen can make in times of crisis.  Today, we offer our thanks to all those who responded to help the victims of the Boston bombings.  We remind everyone of the value and necessity of spontaneous volunteers who do what they can, bringing their knowledge, compassion, and extraordinary talents to make a difference. 

For some WCC volunteers, what started out as “pitching in” on weekends to cleanup and muck out homes in the months right after Hurricane Sandy, has become a long-term commitment to help homeowners rebuild.  Homes have been gutted, cleaned out, and treated for mold, but many are in a waiting period while they ensure that mold does not regrow.  There are many decisions that need to be made to rebuild, and as the number of volunteers has declined, we at World Cares Center have taken steps to make sure that our volunteer corps are replenished. We do this by supporting our volunteers - making sure their long-term well-being is protected through appropriate training, self-care support, and organized communication systems that make the most of their efforts. 

Our volunteers are resilient, supportive, and intelligent, and they spread their spirit and humanity by showing up each and every week in the Rockaways, Staten Island, and Brooklyn.  We thank them for their time, their devotion, and their willingness to continue through an often stressful and difficult decision-making process to support community rebuilding.

Who are these long-term volunteers? What makes them keep coming back?  How can we ensure that we nurture their needs?  Where can we find more of them to support our work?

We recently interviewed two of our most valuable long-term volunteers, Reggie from the Bronx, and Kevin from Manhattan.  Here’s what they told us about their volunteer experiences.

WCC:  How did you first get involved as a volunteer with WCC?

Reggie: I started a week after Hurricane Sandy.  My aunt’s friend knew WCC founder Lisa Orloff and put me in touch with her. I grew up in the Bronx, but felt inclined to help anywhere in the City.

Kevin: I surfed in the Rockaways and started volunteering with another group right after Sandy to help that community.  Sometime after Thanksgiving, when that group’s work was done, I started volunteering with WCC.  I work every weekend in the Rockaways.

WCC: What is your typical role on the volunteer team?

Reggie: My initial role was as a team lead for a muck out crew.  I now serve as an Incident Commander (director and manager of volunteer efforts in an emergency response).

Kevin: I do what needs to be done that day. It could be leading a team, doing briefings or home assessments, and getting the tools ready for the day’s work.  I have a background in construction.

WCC: How do you contribute most to the team in terms of your skills and expertise?

Reggie:  I believe I contribute most because of my ability to organize and manage others under pressure and in chaotic situations.

Kevin: I provide another voice and some insight, providing another set of ears to bounce ideas off of.  Because I’ve worked with other organizations, I’ve been able to see what works over time, streamlining the volunteer effort.

WCC: What changes have you seen in the volunteerism for the Sandy recovery effort as it moves into the long-term recovery phase?

Reggie:  Unfortunately, we have seen a decline in the number of volunteers offering assistance. I most definitely believe the long-term recovery phase is different. Earlier relief efforts made more of a psychological impact, letting homeowners know that they were not alone and could be helped. The mucking out was step one. These homes, when ready, need to be rebuilt - and they need to be rebuilt taking their proximity to the shore into consideration.

Kevin: In early November we had many more volunteers each day and on the weekends.  Since Thanksgiving, the number of volunteers has dropped.  There is a consistent core of volunteers who show up every week, but the overall number of volunteers, especially from other regions, has dropped off.

WCC: How do you make sure that you take care of yourself?

Reggie:  For me, it’s all about balance. I make sure that I rest to combat the work hours, and I do something with a different type of engagement to balance the psychological energy put forth.

Kevin: I just got back from a vacation that I planned long before Sandy. It was good to get away.  Part of my stress reduction happens as a result of just being friends with other volunteers.  We all try to see the lighter side of things and make each other laugh through a tough situation.  Everyone out there is so interesting to meet.

WCC: What has long-term volunteerism given you? How has it changed your life and how have you changed the lives of others?

Reggie: Being committed long-term has somewhat embedded the volunteer life into me. It went from my “weekend gig” to part of my being. I think folks who know me and have seen my commitment realize they too need to give. “To whom much is given much is required.”  

Kevin: It has given me confidence to lead large groups of people and to know that I have skills that are needed, even skills I didn’t know I had.  Anyone who comes out has something to contribute (skilled labor, communication skills).  A few people have started to rebuild and move on with their lives.  That is nice to see as you continue your work on other homes in the area.

World Cares Center continues to work with Long Term Recovery Committees throughout the boroughs of New York, including Staten Island, Brooklyn, Lower Manhattan, and the Rockaways.  In the last two months, we’ve partner with Catholic Charities, local faith-based groups, the Red Cross, FEMA, and community members to write bylaws, assign committee work, and discuss the long-term impact and recovery from Sandy and the preparation needed to head off future storm damage. Here’s a recap, borough by borough, of our work with LTRCs:

Brooklyn:

·         Groups in attendance include secular and faith-based groups representing Canarsie, Gerritsen Beach, and Coney Island, American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, FEMA, Occupy Sandy, WCC, and representatives from the Brooklyn Borough President’s office

·         Chair: Reverend Cheryl Anthony

·         Bylaws Committee - drafting regulations for the group with assistance from attorney’s at the Lawyer’s Alliance

·         Discussion about options for incorporation and gaining 501(c) (3) status

·         Establishing effective communication and collaboration between groups working in the same neighborhoods

·         Next Meeting: Friday, February 22, 2013 at 9:30am at St. Marks United Methodist Church (2017 Beverly Rd, Brooklyn)

Lower Manhattan:

·         Groups in attendance include Good Old Lower East Side (GOLES), Occupy Sandy, WCC, FEMA, and representatives of the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC).

·         Working to organize outreach efforts by coordinating the efforts of groups providing Sandy relief to Lower Manhattan

·         Next Meeting TBD – please email lisaorloff@worldcares.org for more information.

Staten Island:

·         Over 80 participants and 40 organizations are in attendance.  Attendees include representatives from FEMA, State Senator Savino’s office, the Local Assemblymen’s office, the City Comptroller’s office, nonprofit organizations, WCC, grassroots organizations (Occupy Sandy and Sandy Yellow Team), faith-based organizations, and neighborhood alliances

·         Chair: Reverend Terry Troia (Staten Island Clergy Leadership and Project Hospitality)

·         Incorporation and 501 (c) (3) status pending, formally named the Staten Island Community and Interfaith Long Term Recovery Organization

·         Case Management and Coordination of data to ensure needs assessment information is organized and an efficient referral process is supported

·         Immigrant Affairs – working to inform immigrants of their qualification rights with FEMA and reduce language barriers to accurate information

·         Mold Remediation – Standardize safety and procedural practices, identify and coordinate resources, and discuss the possibility of an official mold remediation certificate for use in rebuilding safely after complete mold elimination

·         Disaster Preparedness – Long-term preparedness training and planning for future storms

·         Rebuilding – Communicating information related to safe rebuilding including information on building codes, elevation requirements, and rebuilding in areas in and around wetlands and designating wetlands boundaries

·         Next Meeting: Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at 12pm at the Unitarian Church of Staten Island (312 Fillmore Street, Staten Island) – note: meetings are held every Wednesday at alternate times- 12pm or 5pm)

Rockaway and Broad Channel:

·         Agencies and organizations in attendance include Ready Rockaway, Red Cross, FEMA, Catholic Charities, Project Hope, Occupy Sandy, Respond and Rebuild, WCC, Friends of Rockaway , the Mamas Network, New York Cares, Habitat for Humanity, Rockaway Emergency Support Team (REST) and the Rockaway Development & Revitalization Corporation (RDRC).

·         Chair: Dr. Edward Williams (Ready Rockaway)

·         Mission: to provide collaboration, resource identification, and allocation and advocacy for individuals and families who reside in the Rockaways and Broad Channel areas affected by Superstorm Sandy and all hazardous disasters.

·         Bylaws are in final draft form and have been accepted by the Steering Committee

·         Next Meeting: Thursday, February 28^th at 6:30pm at the Battalion Church (454 Beach 67^th Street, 2^nd floor, Rockaway Peninsula)

·         Community Assessment – Understanding the geographical layout of the Rockaways, creating an assessment form to gather information on community needs, strategizing communication methods for outreach

·         Construction Coordination – Discussing the impact of base flood elevation requirements on rebuilding, identifying sources for materials and services needed for rebuilding

·         Case Management – Creating a master list of resources and using data systems to catalogue them, streamlining resource management

World Cares Center (WCC) and its long-term partners, AmeriCares and New York Disaster Interfaith Services (NYDIS), have spent the months since Hurricane Sandy training and coordinating volunteers for the immediate recovery needs of housing, heat, food and water.  As those basic disaster assistance needs are met, the more complex and specialized needs of rebuilding begin to get more attention and the community enters the long-term recovery phase. 

Sometimes these specialized needs involve segments of the community such as the elderly or disabled, who can’t rebuild without more formalized, ongoing financial or technical support.  At other times, the rebuilding impacts whole neighborhoods, necessitating collective decision-making in order to move community-based planning forward.  Then there are the needs of the community as a whole. When community planning and economic development are needed, the long-term recovery phase usually convenes a collaborative, recovery committee.  This long-term recovery committee (LTRC) can make collective decisions about the direction that should be taken when using resources or rebuilding infrastructure. 

The long term recovery process is:

·         Concerned with community-wide planning (e.g., housing, transportation, infrastructure, social/health services, cultural resources)

·         Multi-Leveled to address all community members

·         Forward-thinking

·         Supportive by building community leadership 

Read more about LTRC in this FEMA guide:  http://1.usa.gov/11IG48A.  

World Cares Center, in cooperation with FEMA, participates in LTRC meetings in four boroughs of New York (Lower Manhattan, Staten Island, Brooklyn, and Queens).  The last meeting of the Lower Manhattan LTRC was held on February 12^th.  Lisa Orloff, Founder and Executive Director explained the importance of LTRC, “in keeping with our mission to empower communities through disaster response training, support and coordination as well as our role as a long-standing VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) member, we are happy to support the development of the LTRC’s.”

The next meeting will be held on February 26, 2012.  Anyone interested in attending a LTRC meeting in Lower Manhattan should email lisaorloff@worldcares.org with “Manhattan LTRC” in the subject line.  Community resilience is dependent on recovery planning and community leadership.  Get involved with a LTRC to get your community back on track.