With most of the media attention focused on the recovery of Manhattan from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, little news of the work in and around Coney Island has been reported. However, Park Slope Presbyterian Church (Brooklyn, NY) continues to provide disaster relief to victims in the Coney Island area.
Park Slope’s initial relief work focused mostly on covering basic needs such as temporary lodging, food, and clothing. Senior Pastor Matt Brown reports the church has moved from relief to recovery work, which includes clearing out apartments and mold remediation. Associate Pastor Brian Steadman, who has a background in construction, is directly overseeing relief efforts.
Matt reports that the most pressing (and expensive) need is labor. While volunteers are doing a great job, “It is impossible to meet all of these needs through volunteers.” More than $65,000 has been given by EPC churches and members to the Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief Fund. You can still contribute at http://www.epc.org/giving/emergency-relief/ or by sending a check to:
Evangelical Presbyterian Church
7197 N Laurel Park Dr, Suite 567
Livonia, MI 48152
Attn: Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief Fund
You can read more about the work of Park Slope Presbyterian Church at http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2013/01/25/fema_hurricane_sandy_deadline_coney_island_struggles_after_the_storm.html