FEMA opened its Newark help center on Monday, two weeks after Superstorm Sandy left most of the city without power.
But in less than 48 hours after the storm, Pastor Joe Carter mobilized an interfaith effort that is providing lifesaving relief around the clock.
The church where the world said goodbye to superstar Whitney Houston is now a bustling but tightly organized relief and distribution center that's already aided tens of thousands of people. Carter has temporarily traded his pulpit for a folding table command post to mobilize a massive effort supported by local ministers, rabbis and imams.
The walls in this church basement war room are covered with maps of Newark. They're updated daily as field reports come in from volunteers, like Bishop Jethro James, chaplain for the New Jersey state troopers.
People needing help get a meal and a number, and then are taken in to the church to get food and supplies. Children and babies, like 5-month-old Melvasia, are a top priority.
FEMA has opened a disaster recovery center in Newark for those whose property was damaged and for small businesses suffering losses.
People are coming from beyond the Newark city limits seeking help here. What they need most now are baby supplies.
Donations to the New Hope Baptist Church relief fund can be made at:
Monday, May 20 2013 7:05 PM EDT2013-05-20 23:05:15 GMT
A private country club opened its golf course to the public for a charity tournament to raise money for Superstorm Sandy relief. The Westlake Golf and Country Club in Jackson hosted the event on May 13,
A private country club opened its golf course to the public for a charity tournament to raise money for Superstorm Sandy relief. The Westlake Golf and Country Club in Jackson hosted the event on May 13,
Friday, May 17 2013 9:12 PM EDT2013-05-18 01:12:56 GMT
A welcome sight in Coney Island: workers cleaning umbrellas, wiping down counters, and putting the finishing touches on a rebuilt Original Nathan's Famous.
A welcome sight in Coney Island: workers cleaning umbrellas, wiping down counters, and putting the finishing touches on a rebuilt Original Nathan's Famous.
Thursday, May 16 2013 6:47 PM EDT2013-05-16 22:47:54 GMT
The MTA and Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that the A train subway will run its route all the way to the Rockaways starting May 30, seven months after Superstorm Sandy washed away the track support bed.
The MTA and Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that the A train subway will run its route all the way to the Rockaways starting May 30, seven months after Superstorm Sandy washed away the track support bed.
Thursday, May 16 2013 4:28 PM EDT2013-05-16 20:28:43 GMT
Gov. Chris Christie has announced plans to use $300 million in federal funding to buy out homeowners whose properties have flooded repeatedly, especially during Superstorm Sandy.
Gov. Chris Christie has announced plans to use $300 million in federal funding to buy out homeowners whose properties have flooded repeatedly, especially during Superstorm Sandy.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 3:18 PM EDT2013-05-14 19:18:16 GMT
Great Britain's Prince Harry visited several towns along the Jersey Shore that were devastated by superstorm Sandy.
Great Britain's Prince Harry visited several towns along the Jersey Shore that were devastated by superstorm Sandy. The prince began the tour Tuesday morning with a stop in Mantoloking with Gov. Chris Christie followed by a visit to Seaside Heights.
With two weeks to go before the summer crowds arrive, New Jersey shore towns are in a race to finish rebuilding boardwalks wrecked by Superstorm Sandy.
With two weeks to go before the summer crowds arrive, New Jersey shore towns are in a race to finish rebuilding boardwalks wrecked by Superstorm Sandy.
