Community-Led Relief Efforts in the Rockaways

I spent the second half of December working on an article on community-led relief efforts in the Rockaways for Truthout. I interviewed some amazing people who are doing fantastic and awe-inspiring work while also dealing with their own tragedies and traumas. Some of these have been caused by Hurricane Sandy; others are the result of decades of neglect of low-income communities of color on the peninsula.

In the blur of new year doings and adjustments, I forgot to post a link to the story when it was . I was reminded about it when the site New.Clear.Vision reprinted my piece a couple of days ago.

I got a call from Sharon Plummer, who started the Rockaway Guardians in memory of her son Shawn Plummer who was killed by gunfire this past summer. She was happy with the article and was hoping that the publicity would mean more attention (and support, but perhaps that's too hopeful) for the area. In the meantime, she's looking for an indoor space to continue distributing much-needed supplies to people in the area. She reported that, in January (three months after the storm) many people still lack electricity, heat and hot water.

At the bottom of the article is a list (complete with links) of community organizations leading relief efforts. If you live in the NYC area and want to volunteer, do so! If you live outside the NYC area and want to contribute, donations are welcome (and continue to be greatly needed).