A Message From Senator Parker on Hurricane Sandy

Once again, the unity, strength, compassion and generosity of spirit of New Yorkers has been tested by crisis and tragedy. Hurricane Sandy did not devastate our neighborhoods – Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Ditmas Park, Kensington and Borough Park – as badly as it did too many other areas of New York City, Long Island and other parts of our state, but the scale of loss, human suffering and adversity is unprecedented in our lifetimes. My prayers have been and continue to be with you, and with those who need support and strength in this trying time.

As I have travelled around the 21st Senate District, I have seen Brooklyn residents cooperating and coming together to deal with this crisis, as we always have and always will, when times are hard. And to each of you reaching out by yourself, or with the fellowship of churches, synagogues, mosques, neighborhood groups and small nonprofit organizations, please accept my heartfelt thanks for all you are doing to respond to the need for shelter, food, water and medical attention that many of our neighbors are confronting.

In trying times, the ordinary acts of kindness and charity we normally take for granted, become extraordinary and remind us of our good fortune. As we move to address the dislocation and disruption of our lives and neighborhoods therefore, I ask that you remember those who lost homes and personal property, and worst of all, loved ones, because of this storm. They need our prayers and support.

Although it is hoped that federal assistance will be able to offset much of the cleanup and recovery costs caused by Hurricane Sandy, and that our city and state will not suffer too much additional economic impact, it is clear that all of our lives and our financial health will be affected negatively by the hurricane. And I ask you to be patient and understanding not only with your neighbors, but also with yourself, as we face the lengthy aftermath of this “once in a century storm” together.

If you need aid, here is a list of government agencies working to provide relief to individuals and businesses. You can find help with housing and assistance and also get general information on managing your life after the storm by going to: 

http://www.fema.gov/Sandy 

http://www.disasterassistance.gov/ 

http://www.redcross.org/find-help/shelter

http://www.nyc.gov/html/om/html/2012b/pr392-12-static.html

http://www.governor.ny.gov/storm-resources 

Or, you can call FEMA at (800) 621-3362, or the Red Cross at (800) RED-CROSS.

You can also lend a hand in your community or help the not-for-profit and emergency aid organizations who are collecting for victims:

http://www.nycservice.org/ 

https://www.ujafedny.org/hurricane-sandy-relief-fund/ 

http://www.redcross.org/charitable-donations

Finally, New York’s Finest and Bravest have performed with unparalleled heroism during the hurricane and in the continuing crisis, in the manner that we have come to expect from the NYPD and FDNY. Please join me in keeping them in your thoughts, while they continue to help New Yorkers in need during this crisis.

Yours in Partnership,

KEVIN PARKER