Mayor Adams. Mayor's Fund, Faith-Based Leaders Announce Hurricane Helene and Milton Relief Efforts

October 17, 2024

In Partnership With Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City and Faith-Based Leaders, Adams Administration to Offer Relief and Support to Those Impacted by Hurricane Helene and Milton

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams, the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, and a coalition of faith-based leaders today announced ongoing efforts to lend support to those impacted by Hurricane Helene and Milton in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Southeastern United States. People can donate directly to the on-the-ground organizations offering support via the Mayor’s Fund website.

“What makes New Yorkers special is that when our neighbors are in need a helping hand, we answer the call — no matter where they may be,” said Mayor Adams. “In recent days, two devastating hurricanes have impacted our neighbors, both domestically and abroad, and our city wants to play its part to help. Together, with our faith-based leaders and the Mayor’s Fund, our administration is asking those who can offer support and donate to on-the-ground organizations to step up and do their part. To those recovering from this tragedy, New York City stands in solidarity with you.”

“In times of crisis, New Yorkers come together and help those most in need,” said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Ana J. Almanzar. “We are seeing those devastated by Hurricanes Helene and Milton in need of basic resources to help them recover. Thanks to our faith-based leaders, who are stepping up to lend support, and our Mayor’s Fund, we have identified reliable organizations with a proven track record of success to provide relief. Together, as a city and a nation, we can meet this moment head on to ensure that those impacted by these hurricanes know they are not alone.”

“In times of crisis, our collective strength shines brightest,” said Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City Chief Administrative Officer Loraya Harrington-Trujillo. “The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City is dedicated to rallying resources for those impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Together, with our partners, we are united in our efforts to provide support and relief to help rebuild.” 

“New York City is proud to provide resources to aid the response and recovery operations after these devastating storms,” said New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) Commissioner Zachary Iscol. “Partners from across the nation responded to our city’s times of greatest need after 9/11 and Hurricane Sandy, and we’re honored to provide our support to others. NYCEM remains committed to assisting our partners in the ongoing storm recovery efforts.”

NYCEM currently has a New York Task Force One team, including 81 personnel and four K9 dogs, at the Orange Convention Center in Orlando, Florida to act as an immediate response to any structural emergencies. In North Carolina, a task force composed of personnel from NYCEM, the New York City Police Department, and the Fire Department of the City of New York was deployed on September 25. The task force was trained to support with swift water rescue, technical search, canine search, and medical needs. During their time on the ground, the task force carried families to helicopters, provided medical aid, assisted the National Guard in airlifting stranded civilians, and conducted targeted searches. This team returned on October 9 and NYCEM has already sent another relief team to continue their support.

The Mayor’s Fund was created in 1994 to build public-private partnerships and raise private funding for critical initiatives in New York City. The Mayor’s Fund works with 50 city agencies and offices, 300 institutional funders, and 100 community-based partners to advance these initiatives across all five boroughs. For nearly 30 years, the Mayor’s Fund has helped the public and private sectors come together around initiatives that build a stronger, safer, and more just New York City.

###