FEMA opened its Newark help center on Monday, two weeks after Superstorm Sandy left most of the city without power.
But in less than 48 hours after the storm, Pastor Joe Carter mobilized an interfaith effort that is providing lifesaving relief around the clock.
The church where the world said goodbye to superstar Whitney Houston is now a bustling but tightly organized relief and distribution center that's already aided tens of thousands of people. Carter has temporarily traded his pulpit for a folding table command post to mobilize a massive effort supported by local ministers, rabbis and imams.
The walls in this church basement war room are covered with maps of Newark. They're updated daily as field reports come in from volunteers, like Bishop Jethro James, chaplain for the New Jersey state troopers.
People needing help get a meal and a number, and then are taken in to the church to get food and supplies. Children and babies, like 5-month-old Melvasia, are a top priority.
FEMA has opened a disaster recovery center in Newark for those whose property was damaged and for small businesses suffering losses.
People are coming from beyond the Newark city limits seeking help here. What they need most now are baby supplies.
Donations to the New Hope Baptist Church relief fund can be made at:
Friday, May 24 2013 4:02 PM EDT2013-05-24 20:02:22 GMT
WCS photo
Coney Island's famed New York Aquarium, devastated by Superstorm Sandy, will partially reopen Saturday, May 25, 2013. The Wildlife Conservation Society on Friday showed members of the media parts of
Coney Island's famed New York Aquarium, devastated by Superstorm Sandy, will partially reopen Saturday, May 25, 2013. The Wildlife Conservation Society on Friday showed members of the media parts of
Friday, May 24 2013 11:12 AM EDT2013-05-24 15:12:21 GMT
AP photo
President Barack Obama plans to give the Jersey Shore a boost with a post-Memorial Day visit to showcase recovery efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.
President Barack Obama plans to give the Jersey Shore a boost with a post-Memorial Day visit to showcase recovery efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:55 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:55:01 GMT
Jersey shore town is celebrating a milestone as it rebuilds from Superstorm Sandy. Belmar officials will reopen their 1.3-mile boardwalk that was destroyed by the October storm.
Jersey shore town is celebrating a milestone as it rebuilds from Superstorm Sandy. Belmar officials will reopen their 1.3-mile boardwalk that was destroyed by the October storm.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:05 PM EDT2013-05-20 23:05:15 GMT
A private country club opened its golf course to the public for a charity tournament to raise money for Superstorm Sandy relief. The Westlake Golf and Country Club in Jackson hosted the event on May 13,
A private country club opened its golf course to the public for a charity tournament to raise money for Superstorm Sandy relief. The Westlake Golf and Country Club in Jackson hosted the event on May 13,
