The following is an email we received from OccupySandy/Occupy RedHook/Falconworks. We are not formally affiliated with these organizations, though we appreciate the important work they have done in Red Hook, now and in the past.

Greeting Red Hook Neighbors and Friends of Red Hook,

I hope this email finds you and your loved ones safe. It’s been a week since hurricane Sandy struck land and began its destructive course. We here in Red Hook were struck particularly hard and the recovery is just beginning. Many of our friends and neighbors are still without power, heat or water. Some are isolated in towers that are part of the Red Hook Housing development. Getting access to food is difficult, especially hot meals. We fear that some of our elderly and homebound neighbors may be trapped in their homes, unable to cry for help.

There are many efforts underway. We have volunteers in the near thousand, and many other are bringing in much needed supplies like food, blankets, portable lights and batteries. Even with the outpouring of help from generous individuals we are having trouble getting access to all the information available and getting that information out to the community. It is imperative that we come together regularly to share vital information about needs and resources. We should also be sure that our efforts are coordinated and truly addressing the needs all our neighbors, not just the needs of those the most political clout.

There is a meeting scheduled today at 4:00 pm at PS 27, 27 Huntington Street, between Columbia and Hicks Streets. This meeting will be an opportunity for those in need to connect with the resources that are being made available and the community leaders and volunteers who are addressing needs on the ground. It will also be a chance for us to take advantage of the attention we have right now in order to address the long-term issues that have been made apparent through the city’s response to the current situation.

Please come to this meeting and spread the word. Those with list, please send this out to those whom it may concern. If you have the capability to print out the attached flyer, please do so and share it with your friends who may not have access to email or internet.

I look forward to seeing you all soon.

Peace