Houses of worship increase post-hurricane outreach

November 1, 2012 By Francesca Norsen Tate Brooklyn Daily Eagle

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As of Thursday, several houses of worship stepped up outreach efforts for the victims of Hurricane Sandy.

Congregation Beth Elohim (Reform/Park Slope) received a huge response to its call for volunteers to prepare meals for disaster shelter residents. According to an email report as of 4 p.m, on Thursday, 600 were fed yesterday. Moreover, more than $1,000 was raised to cover the cost of meals and supplies to local shelters. However, $5,000 still needs to be raised to cover the costs for the remainder of this week.

Congregation Beth Elohim has also emailed a list of volunteer opportunities for meal preparation and delivery. More than 100 volunteers are needed each day in various time slots to prepare lunch, people with vans are needed to deliver lunches to the Armory, through Sunday, November 4. Runner of supplies to Red Hook are also needed.

Volunteers are being asked to bring with them a loaf of bread and dozen hard-boiled eggs. Those preparing and serving meals are also asked to cover their hair in according with the New York City health codes.
A collection drive is also being conducted for candles, batteries, flashlights, water and non-perishables for Red Hook shelters. Two cars per day are needed to take these supplies to the shelters. Those who can volunteer in any way may contact the Temple via:[email protected].

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Rabbi Aaron Raskin of Congregation B’nai Avraham (Modern Orthodox/Brooklyn Heights) sent a dispatch to his congregation inviting them to participate in Chabad-Lubavitch’s Hurricane Relief.

“As Jews, we carry a responsibility to stand in the breach and help those in need in this crucial time,” he wrote. “Chabad-Lubavitch has been on the forefront providing vital assistance during this disaster. Our network of centers reaches into communities deeply impacted by the storm. Chabad rabbis are on the ground in each community, helping families and providing emergency assistance. Lives have been disrupted; some people have even lost their homes. Jewish institutions have been damaged. We need to act in this important time.” Those wishing to volunteer can do so throughChabad’s website.

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Senior Pastor Edwin Colón of the Recovery House of Worship (RHOW), making its home at The Baptist Temple, urges his congregation to reach out to members and anyone who was in the areas most affected by the hurricane.

Recovery House of Worship offers two Sunday services each week, at 9 and 11 a.m. The RHOW ministry is also launching a new series, “After the Storm,” focusing on how God helps people rebuild lives after tragedy. All in need of this healing are invited to take part. The Recovery House of Worship and Baptist Temple are at 360 Schermerhorn St. in Boerum Hill. They have a Facebook page, and the website is www.rhow.org.