More than a dozen volunteers from UJA-Federation's Harrison-Purchase community repair still-damaged home in Long Island

More than a dozen volunteers from UJA-Federation of New York’s Harrison-Purchase community helped to repair a home that has not yet been restored after Hurricane Sandy. Working with NECHAMA, a volunteer organization that provides natural disaster preparedness, response, and recovery services nationwide, the women helped with general home reconstruction including demolition and installing sheetrock. 

“When Hurricane Sandy struck our area on October 29, 2012, UJA-Federation launched an immediate and bold response,” said Donna Divon, manager of community and volunteer services for UJA-Federation in Westchester. “Because our network was in place on October 28th, we were able to mobilize thousands of volunteers. Our community is very caring; these women wanted to help in tangible ways.”

Eli Cohn, NECHAMA’s lead construction manager, explained to the volunteers that many families are still displaced. “We help people who have no other means to fix their homes,” Cohen said. “We wouldn’t be able to provide the services we offer without the support of UJA-Federation.”

When Hurricane Sandy struck, UJA-Federation of New York helped to mobilize thousands of volunteers, publicizing hundreds of opportunities and working with agencies to direct volunteers to sites where they could help. The organization continues to offer volunteer projects to assist those still suffering.

In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, UJA-Federation — together with its network agencies, area synagogues, Jewish day schools, and volunteers — mobilized the community. Within a week of the storm, UJA-Federation released $10 million from its endowment to create Connect to Recovery, an initiative to address urgent needs, and created a relief fund, adding $145 million in contributions. Thousands were served through such resources and services as food, aid in finding housing, emergency cash assistance, legal services, counseling, and temporary relocation of day schools and synagogues.

UJA-Federation continues to offer support to those still in need and build resiliency against future crises. Its Project Yonah brings together network agency staff and trauma experts to educate staff at community-based institutions.

About UJA-Federation of New York
For more than 95 years, UJA-Federation has inspired New Yorkers to act on their values and invest in our community for the biggest impact. Through UJA-Federation, more than 55,000 donors address issues that matter most to them, pooling their resources to care for New Yorkers of all backgrounds and Jews everywhere, to connect people to their Jewish communities, and to respond to crises close to home and around the globe. Working with nearly 100 network beneficiary agencies, synagogues, and other Jewish organizations, UJA-Federation is the world’s largest local philanthropy; our reach spans from New York to Israel to more than 70 other countries around the world, touching 4.5 million people each year. For more information on how to donate or volunteer, please visit our website at www.ujafedny.org.