On Sunday, Nov. 18, more than 1,000 volunteers converged on the Rockaways in Queens, New York for “A Day of Action for New York.” Sponsored by President Bill Clinton and Chelsea Clinton, for the Clinton Foundation and the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), volunteers spent more than 5,000 hours clearing debris, cleaning out flooded basements, cleaning the beachfront, and distributing disaster relief supplies and information and coats to aid in the recovery from Hurricane Sandy.
The Rockaways, an 11-mile peninsula in Queens facing the Atlantic Ocean, was severely impacted by the storm. Thousands of residents lost power and lost their homes through flooding and fire. Recovery has been slow.
The Clinton Foundation and the CGI realize that most disaster response involves a multi-year effort, and will continue to explore and coordinate efforts, forge partnerships, and strategically respond to the effects of man-made and natural disasters. It’s “Resilient Cities” program is looking for new ways to strengthen infrastructure and be better prepared for future disasters.
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