Dear Friends and Colleagues:
The final numbers from Superstorm Sandy are coming in. In our system alone, more than 11,000 people lost power and over 4,000 were evacuated. As of today, an estimated 1,300 individuals with developmental disabilities are still not back in their homes.
Statewide, the totals are staggering: in the days following Sandy, an estimated 1.6 million customers were without power in New York State, and tens of thousands remain offline in and around New York City and Long Island. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo estimates the damage costs at $50 billion for the region and $33 billion for New York City alone.
Help is available for those who need it. Governor Cuomo announced that FEMA will issue emergency assistance for New Yorkers in federally-declared counties whose homes were affected by Superstorm Sandy. You can apply for FEMA disaster assistance here or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Other forms of assistance are also available; please visit OPWDD’s Storm Resources page for more information.
There are also several ways you can help your fellow New Yorkers. You can make a donation to the Empire State Relief Fund, which will provide funding, materials, and services to New Yorkers who are faced with rebuilding or repairing their homes. If you are interested in volunteering, New York State has established regional volunteer centers across the state. You can find your local volunteer center here.
Thank you again for all that you do each day to support not only the people in our care, but our fellow New Yorkers, as well.
Sincerely,
Commissioner Burke
P.S. Communication is critical to our collective success, and OPWDD’s Facebook page is a great place for individuals, family members, employees, advocates, and other stakeholders to exchange thoughts and ideas. Please feel free to join the conversation.