Sandy victims in Brooklyn are concerned as a Gerritsen Beach community relief tent could be forced to shut down for the winter.
Gerritsen Beach residents are still reeling from the damage done by Superstorm Sandy. Now they're rallying to keep their neighborhood relief center open through the winter.
"It means a lot to me because I've got a lot of things here and it really makes me believe there's hope in this community," said Teresa McLinden, a Gerrtisen Beach resident.
More than 100 people turned out to show support for the Gerritsen Beach Cares Relief Center. Even 10 weeks after the storm, they're still busy every day, serving the immediate needs of about 200-300 residents and guiding them to relief resources.
"We call it triage. Like figuring out who needs the most help and getting that proper help directly to them," said volunteer Kelly Mead. "Direct them to the proper resources. Every day we find new people who don't even know about rapid repairs or have signed up for FEMA or haven't had their home cleaned out."
While volunteers collected signatures of support on a petition, a psychologist gave out survivor bears (teddy bears) and told the crowd about free mental health counseling. It's just one of many services offered.
"It's a great resource for people who lost so much, to be able to come here and get the help they need," said resident Rachel McShane.
Volunteers cleared out a tent Sunday donated by the fire department. It's being taken down because it cannot withstand winter weather. All the food was moved to a studier tent donated by the National Guard that can be winterized, one or two provided by the National Guard. The OEM spokesperson told Fox 5 there are no plans to shut down the site. But it's not clear yet if the state will allow the National Guard tents to stay.
"We will survive. We will get through this but the reality is how much better everyone would be if everybody comes together, works together and helps each other," said Michael Taylor, Executive Director of the OEM.
Organizers tell Fox 5 the petitions will go to city and state officials with the hope they'll convince them to keep the neighborhood relief center open and allow Gerritsen Beach residents to continue helping each other.
Sunday, May 26 2013 12:00 AM EDT2013-05-26 04:00:59 GMT
While some business may be have been dismal at the beaches, a lot of people who needed to venture out and keep busy Saturday found things to do – and stay dry.
While some business may be have been dismal at the beaches, a lot of people who needed to venture out and keep busy Saturday found things to do – and stay dry.
Saturday, May 25 2013 10:27 PM EDT2013-05-26 02:27:43 GMT
New Yorkers that have visited City Island in the summer know it gets really busy, especially on Memorial Day weekend. Saturday, it was pretty much a ghost town thanks to the cold, rainy weather.
New Yorkers that have visited City Island in the summer know it gets really busy, especially on Memorial Day weekend. Saturday, it was pretty much a ghost town thanks to the cold, rainy weather.
Saturday, May 25 2013 9:26 PM EDT2013-05-26 01:26:30 GMT
New Yorkers know that finding street parking is not easy. Drivers can circle for a minute or even an hour – and even then you still may not find that parking spot.
New Yorkers know that finding street parking is not easy. Drivers can circle for a minute or even an hour – and even then you still may not find that parking spot.
Saturday, May 25 2013 6:52 PM EDT2013-05-25 22:52:40 GMT
It once was an accepted tactic as old as policing itself and, according to the NYPD, a key to the city's dramatic drop in crime: patrol officers stopping young men on the street to see if they're up to no good.
It once was an accepted tactic as old as policing itself and, according to the NYPD, a key to the city's dramatic drop in crime: patrol officers stopping young men on the street to see if they're up to no good.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:44 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:44:03 GMT
The unofficial start of summer is being met with not-so-perfect beach weather. Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this Memorial Day weekend following the destruction caused by Superstorm Sandy.
The unofficial start of summer is being met with not-so-perfect beach weather. Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this Memorial Day weekend following the destruction caused by superstorm Sandy. The Fox 5 weather team is calling for sunny skies on Sunday and Monday.
Friday, May 24 2013 6:09 PM EDT2013-05-24 22:09:59 GMT
New York State has 17,000 highway bridges. There are some bad ones. The Tappan Zee Bridge, for example, is set to be replaced because of aging infrastructure.
New York State has 17,000 highway bridges. There are some bad ones. The Tappan Zee Bridge, for example, is set to be replaced because of aging infrastructure.
Friday, May 24 2013 4:02 PM EDT2013-05-24 20:02:22 GMT
WCS photo
Coney Island's famed New York Aquarium, devastated by Superstorm Sandy, will partially reopen Saturday, May 25, 2013. The Wildlife Conservation Society on Friday showed members of the media parts of
Coney Island's famed New York Aquarium, devastated by Superstorm Sandy, will partially reopen Saturday, May 25, 2013. The Wildlife Conservation Society on Friday showed members of the media parts of
Friday, May 24 2013 3:40 PM EDT2013-05-24 19:40:02 GMT
The mastermind of a botched robbery that resulted in the death of an NYPD officer has been convicted of murder. Nelson Morales was also convicted Friday of burglary in the December 2011 incident that
The mastermind of a botched robbery that resulted in the death of an NYPD officer has been convicted of murder. Nelson Morales was also convicted Friday of burglary in the December 2011 incident that
Friday, May 24 2013 1:59 PM EDT2013-05-24 17:59:43 GMT
Five people were injured when a van jumped a curb in downtown Brooklyn on Friday.
Five people were injured when a van jumped a curb in downtown Brooklyn on Friday. The van rear-ended a Taxi and Limousine Commission vehicle at the corner of Church Ave. and Utica Ave. at about 7:45 a.m., said police. One of the pedestrians that was struck by the van was taken to Brookdale Hospital. Four other victims were taken to Kings County Hospital.
Friday, May 24 2013 1:25 PM EDT2013-05-24 17:25:15 GMT
The engineer of the commuter train that derailed last week in Connecticut observed an "unusual condition" on the track before the wreck, federal officials said Friday.
The engineer of the commuter train that derailed last week in Connecticut observed an "unusual condition" on the track before the wreck, federal officials said Friday.
