A new exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History, “Our Global Kitchen: Food, Nature, Culture” examines the important issues of food security and feeding the world’s growing population. From a rooftop garden in Brooklyn to the vertical garden on display at the museum, the exhibit explores our local food system and provides inspiration through global examples of urban agriculture. Visit today through August and bring new ideas to your project and lifestyle.
On March 16, 2013, New Yorkers who care for street trees, love parks, nurture gardens, compost creatively and make our city greener and greater will gather at Brooklyn Borough Hall for this second annual event. Read more about last year’s conference here and mark your calendars!
Apply to attend this one-day TEDx event on February 16th to share your ideas and learn more about the sustainable food movement. This is a great opportunity for our many project leaders focused on healthy eating and community gardening to share their insights and meet like-minded individuals and groups. The gathering will also be webcast live so start organizing that viewing party!
Our friends at Citizens Committee for New York City and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs are accepting applications for grants up to $3000. If you are part of a neighborhood-based or faith-based immigrant and non-immigrant group that wants to collaborate on community projects that improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers, apply here by January 31.
Citizens Committee for New York City Awarding Hurricane Relief Grants to Volunteer-Led Groups
Citizens Committee for New York City—which supports resident-led community improvement initiatives across the five boroughs—has announced that it is making $100,000 in emergency grants available to support volunteer-led relief groups helping neighborhoods recover from the storm.
Neighborhood rebuilding and cleanup projects centered on the storm’s hardest-hit neighborhoods will be given priority. Citizens Committee also notes that volunteer groups working in city-designated Zone A evacuation areas, Hurricane Sandy-affected NYCHA developments (its Tenants Associations and Resident Green Committees), as well as community gardens, schools, and “Friends of” parks groups are encouraged to apply.
Citizens Committee CEO Peter H. Kostmayer explains: “These grants go up to $5,000 and our grant decision process will be expedited. Groups will be notified of our grant decision within a week of application submission and grant checks will be issued shortly thereafter.”
For more information on applying for a grant and donating to the Citizens Committee for New York City’s Hurricane Relief Fund, visit www.citizensnyc.org.
Staten Island was hit hard by Hurricane Sandy, and many compassionate individuals are hard at work helping the borough to recover from the storm. Where to Turn is maintaining a Sandy Support message board, which is full of announcements detailing where volunteers are needed, information for those in need of assistance, and important announcements for residents affected by the storm. And over on Facebook, the Save Our Shores group frequently updates its page with useful items—questions are being answered and people are finding out how to get involved in the relief effort. Visit them here.
New York has experienced an inspiring outpouring of support as the City continues to recover from the effects of Hurricane Sandy, but there is still much to be done. Looking to help New York City emerge stronger than ever? Here are three great ideas:
-The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City is accepting financial donations which are then dispersed to relief efforts and organizations. Find out more and donate here.
-NYC Service, launched by Mayor Bloomberg in 2009, is the City’s official volunteer office. It’s easy to find out how you can help New Yorkers in need after Hurricane Sandy by visiting the office online here.
-The New York Blood Center is in need of donations. Hurricane Sandy had a tremendous impact on the blood supply in New York City. Find out where you can give blood to help end the shortage here.
Donated Sandy Housing Directory: New Yorkers can list their homes and extra space easily and immediately, all for free, and people who are looking for a place to stay can access these free spaces via Airbnb’s Donated Sandy Housing Directory.
New York Cares: Volunteer opportunities for Sandy Recovery are posted on a rolling basis, so check back frequently!
Brooklyn Public Library Donation Drop Off: Beginning Thursday, November 8, 16 BPL locations will be collecting items for those impacted by Hurricane Sandy
Where to Turn: Especially useful for those on Staten Island!
Coney Recovers: An initiative of the Alliance for Coney Island
FEMA Assistance Application: Learn more about what FEMA offers here
Disaster Assistance: Here’s where you can apply online!
Daytime Warming Centers: With the drop in temperatures, the City is providing warming centers located within Senior Centers in the five boroughs for a place to get out of the cold during the day. Residents can go to these sites to pick-up food, blankets, and water
Overnight Shelters: The public shelters are available to anyone who requires overnight shelter including food, water, and shower facilities.
Bus Service to Select Overnight Shelters: Bus service is available to select bus shelters
Blanket, Food, and Water Distribution Sites: Residents can go to these sites to pick-up food, blankets, and water.
Food Truck Locations: Hot food will be available via local food trucks at these locations from 12PM – 4PM.
Mobile Medical Van Locations: Mobile medical vans staffed with primary care providers who will be able to provide medical care and distribute commonly prescribed drugs are now at several of the City’s Disaster Assistance Service Centers.
Comprehensive Service Map: Includes volunteering and donation, shelters and recovery centers, and other useful locations.
Con Edison Outage Map: Maps the number of customers out in a given area.
Parks Updates: Important Parks Department storm-related service changes.
Red Hook Initiative stands tall as a leader in helping the Southern Brooklyn community recover from Hurricane Sandy. This terrific youth development organization has been enlisting volunteers to distribute food and other necessities, and has spearheaded an amazing supply donations effort. Their great work continues to help residents in need; read more and learn how to lend your support here.
596 Acres—a fantastic organization that helps communities across New York City transform vacant public land into sustainable neighborhood resources—has been doing great work assisting the Rockaways to rebuild and recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. They have partnered with UnLocal, CAAAV: Organizing Asian Communities, and the Gowanus Studio Space to bring food, medical care, legal assistance, much-needed supplies, and more to residents that were among the hardest hit by the storm. Learn more and find out how you can get involved here.
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