Many of us have wondered and are wondering how we can help our neighbors who have been affected by Hurricane Sandy. I have been scouring the internet trying to find grassroots efforts to help families of people with special needs. It has been tough because most of what I have found is more general. I compiled this list because every bit of information helps.
Click on the links highlighted in blue to get additional information on each resource.
Please send me at e-mail at sailingautisticseas@gmail.com if you know of any organizations that are helping families (special needs or not) and I will add them to my list.
RESOURCES (will be updated as I get more information)
People with Disabilities
Autism Cares: According to the Autism Cares Web site they are “actively seeking families affected by autism who are victims of Hurricane Sandy and invites those families to call the Autism Response Team at 1-888-Autism2 (288-4762), En Español at 888-772-9050, or email autismcares@autismspeaks.org to receive assistance. Families may also register directly at www.autismcares.org.
Autism Society: Providing support for autism families impacted by Hurricane Sandy. “Call the Autism Source Center TM, 800-3AUTISM, Monday through Friday from 9 to 5 and on Saturday and Sunday from 9 to 5.”
MTA Access-A-Ride: According to the MTA Web site, “Access-A-Ride is now operating regular service for all eligible Paratransit customers. All service, both advanced reservation and subscription will be delivered, with the exception of areas in Zone A, including the Rockaways, City Island, Lower Manhattan and Staten Island. However, if you need a trip of medical necessity (dialysis, chemotherapy or radiation treatment) please call 
1-877-337-2017 and every effort will be made to provide the trip.
Ellen Seidman of the blog, Love that Max has put together a very helpful list of additional resources for people with special needs who were affected by Hurricane Sandy. Click here for more information.
For updates on your loved ones in an AHRC facility click here.
For updates on your loved ones receiving YAI services click here.
Education
New York City Department of Education: Visit these links for up-to-date information on your child’s school.
Volunteering and Donation Drives
Queensmamas.com has put together a list of places accepting donations in Queens, NY.
Astoria Recovers: Organized by Occupy NYC, this site provides information for people in Astoria who want to give, have a need, or want to volunteer.
The Interdenominational Disaster Relief through NALEC (National Association of Latino Evangelicals) is up and running out of the Kingsbridge Armory, 2817 Reservoir Ave, Bronx NY 10468. For more information, or to schedule a pickup of disaster relief items, please call 718-473-6993. Donations are being accepted! Address for donations (water, food, clothing, medical supplies): IDDRNALEC 10 W. 195th St, Bronx NY 10468
Staten Island was one of the hardest hit boroughs and they are still in need of relief. Donate to Staten Island Relief Fund by clicking here.
The Red Hook Initiative: Click here for information on how to donate to help the residents of Red Hook who have been affected by Hurricane Sandy.
New York Cares: This organization has been sending volunteers all over the city to help New Yorkers affecting by Sandy. Click on the link to donate your time and/or money.
The JCC of Manhattan is organizing donation drives on their Facebook page. Check the link for details.
Occupy Sandy Relief: According to their Web site: “Occupy Sandy is a coordinated relief effort to help distribute resources & volunteers to help neighborhoods and people affected by Hurricane Sandy. We are a coalition of people & organizations who are dedicated to implementing aid and establishing hubs for neighborhood resource distribution.”
Hope for New York: According to their Web site, “Hope for New York is working with our non-profit affiliates, our church partners, New York City churches and pastors, local government officials, and national relief organizations to channel volunteers and resources to those who need it the most in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.”
American Red Cross: The American Red Cross has been on the ground in the tri-state area helping families affected by Sandy.
Federal, State, and Local Government Assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): This link includes information to apply for assistance directly.
New York State Office of Emergency Management: For information on everything from flood recovery to power outage updates. Check out the link for information.
New York City Government Relief: For a list of shelters, food and water distribution centers, and other important emergency relief information. To volunteer and donate: Click here.
Filing for Unemployment Benefits due to unemployment caused by Hurricane Sandy, click here. Here is a CNN article on eligibility requirements for unemployment due to Sandy.
Miscellaneous
Con Edison: For power outage and restoration information, click here.
Fuel truck locations in the NYC and Long Island. (10-gallons of gas per vehicle- FREE)
For the latest MTA updates, click here.
Food Bank of NYC: To donate and volunteer at the Food Bank click here.
The National Food Truck Association and Jetblue have partnered up to provide hot meals to people in the NY and NJ who have been affected by Hurricane Sandy. Click here for food truck locations.
Visit the New York Sports Club for a hot shower and to charge your phone.
Photo Restoration: According to Marc Bushelle Photography, “free photo restoration services are being offered to New York City victims of Hurricane Sandy. Marc Bushelle Photography’s expert touch will restore your family photos destroyed by water or suffering from other damage. We, at Marc Bushelle Photography, understand the value of photographs and bringing back your family’s treasured memories is our way to support fellow New Yorkers in their time of need. This offer is good for up to two Sandy damaged pictures per family for families who had their photo’s destroyed during the storm. ” Contact Marc Bushelle at 917 202 2614. You can also reach him at marc@marcbushelle.com and through his Web site.