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) has long partnered with faith-based organizations during times of disaster.  Because of their strong connections to the communities they serve, faith-based organizations offer help that is homegrown, personal, and highly effective.  They are a wonderful example of neighbors helping neighbors.  Through our long-term partnership with the New York Disaster Interfaith Services (NYDIS), we have secured locations for our Volunteer Centers and Tool Libraries to support muck outs in the Rockaways and Staten Island.  It is one of many faith-based partnerships we have developed post-Sandy.

Just as dynamic and helpful are the corporate partnerships we coordinate.  In the months since Hurricane Sandy hit, corporations have continued to look for meaningful ways to mobilize their employees to give back to their community.  Getting employees together for a unified community volunteer project allows them to work on team building while interacting with coworkers and members of their company’s larger community.  It’s corporate giving at its best! WCC provides comprehensive training for corporate volunteers in group trainings that are tailored to their needs.  Once trained, these teams are ready to work together to help homeowners get back in their homes.

A stellar example of this is a group of corporate volunteers from Cardinal Health who have conducted muck outs and mold suppression on homes in the Rockaways.  Starting in December 2012, the group has provided ongoing volunteer cleanup services.  They continue to work together and have made a difference to grateful homeowners eagerly wanting to get back into their homes.    

These types of volunteer efforts remind us that anyone can give, that everyone should give, and that much can be accomplished when we work together through volunteering.  Want to get involved as a volunteer with your company or faith group?  Visit our website and fill out a volunteer application at:  http://bit.ly/SIYmA3.  WCC will train you, coordinate your efforts, and make sure you are used effectively to help a homeowner in need.

Governor Cuomo recently announced the New York State Disaster Homeownership Repair and Rebuilding Fund to supplement FEMA housing assistance grants.  Through the Disaster Homeownership Repair and Rebuilding Fund, homeowners can qualify to receive an extra $10,000.  The grants do not have to be repaid.  Residents who live in the five boroughs of New York City or the counties of Westchester, Rockland, Nassau, and Suffolk qualify.  Other qualifications include:

·      You have to rebuild or invest in major repairs to your primary residence due to damage from Hurricane Sandy

·      You already qualify for a FEMA housing assistance grant

·      Your FEMA grant must not cover the full cost of the damages to your home

·      This additional funding must not duplicate assistance you already receive from government agencies or your personal insurance.

For more information or to apply for this fund, call: (855) NYS-SANDY – 855-697-7263. 

This fund does not cover repairs for pre-existing conditions or damages not directly caused by Hurricane Sandy, replacement of personal property, moving and storage, business or work-related losses, or debris removal and sanitation services.  Homeowners needing help with debris removal and mold remediation should continue to rely on World Cares Center’s services, currently ongoing in The Rockaways and Staten Island. For more information on how World Cares Center can help you clean up your home to make it safe for rebuilding, visit our website: www.worldcares.org.

As the long term recovery phase kicks in, homeowners across the Tri-State are experiencing the ongoing struggles associated with post-Sandy clean up and rebuilding.  World Cares Center is hunkering down for the long term volunteerism that will go on in areas like the Rockaways and Staten Island.  Inevitably, questions come up:  How do we recruit and maintain volunteerism to help homeowners do the tough work ahead?  How do we prepare everyday citizens for future disasters yet to come?  Lisa Orloff, Founder and Executive Director of World Cares Center sat down with Kristen Shaughnessy of NY1 to discuss how communities build resiliency to handle long term rebuilding and what volunteerism really means in an uncertain future.  View the video here: http://bit.ly/XOg4q7. 

Lisa’s message in a nutshell:

·       Everyone has a role in disaster response and when communities get involved in their own rebuilding, they become more resilient and better able to handle crisis in the future

·       Citizen volunteers need to be integrated effectively to make a dent in disaster response needs

·       Training is crucial, and available through organizations such as World Cares Center.  Go to our website for online training briefings and volunteer opportunities: www.worldcares.org.

·       World Cares Center can help emergency managers and local leaders better integrate spontaneous volunteers to make their relief efforts most effective.

In the face of future disasters, volunteers, local leaders, and emergency managers need to work together to rebuild from within local communities to ensure that those communities remain strong and adapt when uncertain crisis comes their way.

We recently received some good advice about the importance of winterizing homes, from the New York Mortgage Coalition (NYMC), a nonprofit organization devoted to helping renters prepare for homeownership.  As the cold weather takes hold, it’s crucial that homeowners safeguard against frozen pipes by draining them of water.  This is one part of a process known as winterizing.  Homeowners need to winterize their homes by shutting off the heat, disconnecting the radiators and draining out any water, running plumbing fixtures dry to remove water in the lines, and putting anti-freeze in all the sinks, tubs, and toilet traps.  Here’s a step-by-step guide on winterizing: http://bit.ly/YgGsZc. 

As World Cares Center continues its work to muck out homes, prep work for the winter months becomes an important additional concern for homeowners not currently living in their homes since Sandy.  Draining pipes is a job best handled by a qualified plumber, ideally someone familiar with your plumbing system.  It involves a three-step process:

·         Shutting down the main water supply line

·         Draining all of the water from the heating and plumbing systems, and

·         Draining all excess water from the boiler and hot water units.

For a good video on this process, go to: http://bit.ly/UzaVMs. 

Following these steps to winterize your home, including plumbing work to shut down and clear pipes of water, will ensure that you are prepared for cold weather in the months to come.

Muck outs. They are the crucial first step to preparing a house for rebuilding and repairs post-Sandy.  Undertaking a complete muck out will inhibit the growth of mold (a fungus) that can develop and grow unabated in homes that have experienced water damage.  Mold growth is toxic and hazardous to your health.  It can cause allergic reactions, respiratory effects, dermatitis, and the spread of infections.  In some cases, the lingering effects of mold can interfere with rebuilding as it makes a home inhospitable.  Your ally in preventing mold:  muck outs.   Our “Operation Muck Out” in the Rockaways works daily with teams of coordinated volunteers to support homeowners through a systematic muck out procedure.  A complete muck out includes:

1)    A home assessment

2)    Removal of all items soaked by flood waters

3)    Removal of Sheetrock 12” above the flood line

4)    Removal of insulation

5)    Washing exposed surfaces with a bleach solution to inhibit mold growth

During a muck out, the following items generally need to be thrown away, especially if they smell like mold and/or have been under water:

·      Carpets, carpet padding and rugs

·      Upholstered furniture

·      Computers, microwaves, window A/C units and other appliances housed in moldy rooms

·      Papers and books

·      Food items that have come in contact with flood waters

Generally, you can keep non-porous items.  Porous items that have not been exposed to flood waters may be salvageable too.  Homeowners may be able to keep items such as glass, porcelain, metal, all-wood furniture in good condition, paper/legal documents, photos and books, artwork, clothing, and electronics/appliances.  World Cares Center follows a “clear the room to clean the room” procedure that involves progressing through a muck out in a systematic way to ensure volunteer safety, effective mold remediation, and homeowner support.  We continue to devote much of our volunteer resources to muck outs in the Rockaways because mold remediation is the first step to rebuilding in a safe, smart way.  Support “Operation Muck Out” as a volunteer.   Go to the World Cares Center website and complete an online volunteer application (http://bit.ly/SIYmA3).  Then, participate in a volunteer training briefing (http://bit.ly/X4GouS).  Spread the word on the importance of muck outs so homeowners in your community know the impact of this crucial first step on their long-term health and safety.

The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning from Wednesday afternoon to early morning Thursday; strong winds may be felt across Long Island, New York City, and Coastal Connecticut.   The region may have to brace for continued property damage and safety hazards from downed trees and power lines.  Safety precautions are crucial, especially for those already dealing with loss in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.   A coastal flood watch is in effect for Wednesday afternoon and evening along the ocean shores of Long Island and New York City.  These coastal floods could lead to more beach erosion and flooding given the loss of protective dunes by Hurricane Sandy.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued important protective warnings in the wake of Sandy, reminding us all to:

• Drink clean water and make sure food is uncontaminated
• Keep generators outside at least 25 ft from doors, windows, and vents
• Never touch downed power lines or anything touching one

In addition to the wind and rain, some areas of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut may get snow.  Stay tuned to the latest weather reports at:  http://bit.ly/YEzStS.  As the cold air and possible flooding moves in, it’s more important than ever that everyone without shelter and heat turn to nearby community shelters and warming stations for protection.  To locate warming stations throughout the five boroughs, go to: http://on.nyc.gov/SyCHI5.

World Cares Center continues to provide relief services throughout the five boroughs of Manhattan and in New Jersey.  Check out our website to volunteer, get training on how to be a ready responder for your community, and request help if you need it.  Go to: www.worldcares.org.

World Cares Center (WCC) trains and coordinates volunteers and volunteer groups in response to Hurricane Sandy in New York and New Jersey and have launched online trainings on disaster volunteerism and management on our website (www.worldcares.org).  WCC has extensive experience assisting with these relief efforts.  When asked about WCC’s role in responding to New Jersey’s relief effort after Hurricane Irene, Lisa Orloff, Founder and Executive Director of WCC said, “World Cares Center played a significant role in the Hurricane relief effort in New Jersey.  We trained local groups with “just in time” training right after the hurricane hit, but we also coordinated citizens, local groups and national groups as well.  We helped response teams work together more fluidly.” WCC has posted unique training briefings on its website (www.worldcares.org) for volunteers and emergency response teams to view for a quick, effective education on the ins and outs of productive relief efforts. Topics covered include:  assessing readiness amongst organizations seeking to help, proven-effective resources like tools and templates for emergency managers to use, and guidance on how to coordinate with the greater system of emergency relief by networking with other groups to connect to needed resources.

Time and time again, we have learned of the critical value of volunteers in moving relief efforts forward to a positive resolution, especially when working with local community leaders who know the ins and outs of their communities’ constituents. In a joint survey with Harvard’s School of Public Health, we found that 80% of Emergency Managers surveyed said they needed citizen volunteers.  They just don’t have enough staff and often need your help.  We also know from Post-Katrina relief efforts, that the participation of volunteers was instrumental in helping provide needed services.  In some cases, non-government and faith-based organizations made life-and-death differences in people’s lives.  These groups are already in the community, they know their community needs, and who might need the most service quickly within that community.

There are so many different types of emergency response groups including faith-based, federal entities like the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), community groups, national nonprofit groups, businesses, and networking groups like Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) and Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD).  Where might you fit in?  Here are 10 areas where volunteers can be most effective:

• Food services
• Call  Centers
• Delivery of Food to Homebound Seniors
• Clean Up and Muck Out of Homes
• Damage Assessments
• Physical reconstruction services

Where does your expertise lie?  There will be immediate, mid-term, and long-term recovery needs from Hurricane Sandy as we continue to uncover and address the devastation from this storm.  We urge you to get involved.  Visit our website at www.worldcares.org  and click on the “Get Involved” tab to fill out a disaster response volunteer application.  We will work to find the best fit for your specific skills, making sure that your volunteer efforts go to those in need as we recover and rebuild from the wake of Hurricane Sandy.