How we got started..
The inspiration to start We Care New York emerged from the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy, the thousands of affected residents who are overwhelmed and still struggling in the aftermath and the complex recovery efforts expected in the months and years to come.
On October 28th 2012, Hurricane Sandy hit New York City and caused major devastation in its path. It was one of the deadliest hurricanes to hit the North East, and the second-costliest hurricane in United States history. The storm surge hit New York City, flooding streets and entire neighborhoods, making it difficult for Emergency Service Units to respond. 1.9 million New Yorkers lost power. The MTA had said the destruction caused by the storm was the worst disaster in 108 years of the transit system. Economic losses across New York City were estimated to be at least $18 billion.
And while affected victims were overwhelmed trying to make sense of the damage, securing essential items, resources and information was crucial. Michael Taylor, WCNY founder and former GB Cares co-founder, coordinated relief efforts with dedicated volunteers in Brooklyn starting the Sunday after the storm. In his 17 years of volunteer experience creating and organizing annual community programs and activities, he developed a network of support, contacts and sources that he drew upon to put a system in place. Michael helped create a relief distribution system and managed a team of caring volunteers that helped thousands of affected residents. The supporters, friends and hundreds of victim volunteers put their own homes and lives on hold while giving their time, money and compassion to help others.
But there were obstacles along the way. He saw the best and worst from individuals and organizations that were in a position to help. Supplies were being donated, but the distribution system became difficult and problematic. We saw affected residents turned away from getting what they needed, available resources were poorly communicated to victims, intentional mis-information was circulated, personal agendas by a select few became apparent, and flood victims were suffering needlessly.
Michael met with and questioned dozens of volunteer relief workers from around the world that shared their experience with relief efforts, rebuilding and recovery problems from other natural disasters. Their advice and warnings shocked him, but much of which he was told was slowly coming true.
We knew their warning about mold was an immediate concern that was not being taken seriously. Tens of thousands of homes in Southern Brooklyn were completely flooded, and our neighbors were not taking proper precautions, or couldn’t afford to. Contrary to what others advocated, we realized effective mold remediation was needed on a large scale to avert a major health issue and prevent homeowners from losing their homes to mold.
Michael knew the best way to help as many people as possible was to form an organization comprised of talented, dedicated and compassionate volunteers to coordinate outreach services, ensure resources were made available, prepare future programs and assist affected communities across the City with their long term recovery efforts.
We are pleased to announce that We Care New York is now a reality. By joining forces with volunteers across the City, we can share resources, help more people and expand our network into every community.
On October 28th 2012, Hurricane Sandy hit New York City and caused major devastation in its path. It was one of the deadliest hurricanes to hit the North East, and the second-costliest hurricane in United States history. The storm surge hit New York City, flooding streets and entire neighborhoods, making it difficult for Emergency Service Units to respond. 1.9 million New Yorkers lost power. The MTA had said the destruction caused by the storm was the worst disaster in 108 years of the transit system. Economic losses across New York City were estimated to be at least $18 billion.
And while affected victims were overwhelmed trying to make sense of the damage, securing essential items, resources and information was crucial. Michael Taylor, WCNY founder and former GB Cares co-founder, coordinated relief efforts with dedicated volunteers in Brooklyn starting the Sunday after the storm. In his 17 years of volunteer experience creating and organizing annual community programs and activities, he developed a network of support, contacts and sources that he drew upon to put a system in place. Michael helped create a relief distribution system and managed a team of caring volunteers that helped thousands of affected residents. The supporters, friends and hundreds of victim volunteers put their own homes and lives on hold while giving their time, money and compassion to help others.
But there were obstacles along the way. He saw the best and worst from individuals and organizations that were in a position to help. Supplies were being donated, but the distribution system became difficult and problematic. We saw affected residents turned away from getting what they needed, available resources were poorly communicated to victims, intentional mis-information was circulated, personal agendas by a select few became apparent, and flood victims were suffering needlessly.
Michael met with and questioned dozens of volunteer relief workers from around the world that shared their experience with relief efforts, rebuilding and recovery problems from other natural disasters. Their advice and warnings shocked him, but much of which he was told was slowly coming true.
We knew their warning about mold was an immediate concern that was not being taken seriously. Tens of thousands of homes in Southern Brooklyn were completely flooded, and our neighbors were not taking proper precautions, or couldn’t afford to. Contrary to what others advocated, we realized effective mold remediation was needed on a large scale to avert a major health issue and prevent homeowners from losing their homes to mold.
Michael knew the best way to help as many people as possible was to form an organization comprised of talented, dedicated and compassionate volunteers to coordinate outreach services, ensure resources were made available, prepare future programs and assist affected communities across the City with their long term recovery efforts.
We are pleased to announce that We Care New York is now a reality. By joining forces with volunteers across the City, we can share resources, help more people and expand our network into every community.