(Above photos of the flooding in Dumbo by @barneyrobinson, October 29 vs November 2, 2012)
The effects of Hurricane Sandy have devastated much of the region and our thoughts are with anyone currently dealing with issues related to the storm. There are many parts of NY and NJ still without power and running out of food, gas, and clean water. The Atlantic has photos of the aftermath of the area. In Dumbo, check out the post-hurricane photos by photographer Rob Cleary.
Thousands of businesses and homes have been destroyed, and while we’re all trying our best to get back to normal day-to-day life, it’s not as simple as restoring electricity and cleaning from the flood waters. The Dumbo community has come together to help eachother in many ways. There have been a lot of kind offers from those who have electricity and space to allow neighbors and businesses to work together, share a meal, or an outlet to charge your devices. We’re getting a lot of emails and Twitter messages from those who want to help. The best way to help out is to do good for our neighbors in the region. Go to the Dumbo Businesss Improvement District website to help Dumbo businesses rebuild.
There have been several online fundraisers set up already and upcoming events for Hurricane Sandy relief. Here are a few others out of Dumbo that we’re aware of (please send additional ones to us at dumbonyc@gmail.com:
- Frankenstorm Sandy Connect the Dots and Volunteer Day, Saturday, November 3, 2012, noon, 155 Water Street
- Help Clean Brooklyn Bridge Park (Main Street). Volunteer to clean storm debris from the lawns, paths, and planting beds. Saturday, November 3, 2012, 2-5pm
- Help Governor restaurant rebuild. Please help get their employees back to work doing what they do best: cooking excellent meals for Dumbo
- Galapagos Art Space on Smallknot. Tina of Swiss-Miss set up this online fundraiser. While the target amount is set at $2,500, Galapagos will need more like $80,000 to rebuild.
- Owney’s NYC Rum Tasting: A Benefit for Dumbo Recovery, Tuesday, November 13, 2012, 6:30pm, 45 Main Street
- Brooklyn Recovery Fund, A Partnership of the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, and the Brooklyn Community Foundation
- powerHouse Arena recovery donation. powerHouse Arena was destroyed by the flood. Please consider helping them by donating. Photos and progress are documented on sandyhatesbooks.tumblr.com
- Smack Mellon recovery donation. Smack Mellon is closed until further notice. Please consider a tax deductible donation.
You can also help businesses in the neighborhood and buy goods and services and eating at restaurants in and around Dumbo. Brokelyn also has a list of weekend hurricane relief events and other donation opportunities.