Post-Sandy Support for LGBTSTGNC Community via ALP and Allies

I am proud to serve as a member of the board of directors of the Audre Lorde Project. I received this email today from Cara Page, Executive Director, which is full of resources and tips for queer and trans folks of color impacted by Hurricane Sandy. ALP's Brooklyn Office is open with extended hours to serve our communities.

Greetings ALPers, Friends & Family,

Times like these remind us of how important it is to build collective power and safety no matter the conditions we are facing.  Now is the time to come together and support each other even more.   We know we are resilient! As New York rebuilds from the storm our communities are experiencing even more of the heightened policing and surveillance we have already been fighting against.

We want to open our doors for a place to chill and gather. We are fully operational at Brooklyn ALP Office (85 South Oxford St.) until our Manhattan offices are back up and accessible.  At the Brooklyn office we will be providing extended hours for community to come on through for a little comfort and warmth.  We have drinking water to fill up your water bottles, and power to reboot phones and computers.  We have phone and internet to keep connected!  Even if you have power but might not be able to reach family or community and you just want to come by for company by all means come on through!  If you have cabin fever and want to come out and volunteer we also have some small projects.   We will let you know when you get here.  (SEE OFFICE HOURS BELOW)

We want to recognize the ways we have been building safety within our communities and the many grassroots efforts we are building.   We have been in touch with our partnering organizations like FIERCE, QEJ, Sylvia Rivera Law Project and Streetwise & Safe and know they are doing alright and supporting their base.  We know that CAAAV has been organizing for the safety and well being of Chinatown residents in lower Manhattan.  They have put out a call for donations of flashlights, batteries, food (perishable and non-perishable), and bottled water.  ALP has offered to be a drop off location for people to coordinate getting these things to CAAAV.  If you have a vehicle and the time please let us know!   Also Red Hook Initiative; a supportive space for LGBTQGNC located in the Red Hook Community is open and providing water, food, and electricity & clothing.  They are located at 767 Hicks St., Brooklyn NY 11231.   And Third Root Community Health Center in Brooklyn (380 Marlborough Road) will be holding a storm support event on Saturday, November 3rd, from 1-6 PM.

During this difficult time we want to also offer safety tips to our LGBTQTSGNC of Color communities on how to navigate trauma and negotiate safe spaces in the aftermath of the storm:

Shelters: If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or harassment in a shelter.  See National Center for Transgender Equality attachment for strategies on how to ask for support specific to navigate shelter safety for Trans and Gender Non-Conforming folks or go to: http://www.gdnonline.org/resources/NCTE%20Trans%20Hurricane%20Preparedness.pdf.

Police: There is increased police presence in many neighborhoods, avoid traveling alone at night see know your rights information at the following link- http://changethenypd.org/content/know-your-rights-help-end-discriminatory-abusive-illegal-policing

Travel: With increased travel time and limited public transportation avoid traveling alone and always let at least one person know where you're going. Ask for a quote before taking a cab [Gas scarcity means many cabs are charging more than usual] Make an alternate plan for your route in case there are unexpected transportation changes.

Resources: Anti-Violence Project (AVP) 24 Hour Bilingual Hotline is up and running and can offer safety tips to intervene on interpersonal violence!  212-741-1141

Community: Please depend on each other and don't be afraid to ask and give help to each other. If you are throwing an event or gathering, consider collecting donations.
Please remember to take care of yourselves!  Do not underestimate the impact this can have on our emotional & physical well being.  Oftentimes our individual and collective bodies respond to incidences of trauma in many ways without even knowing it.  You could be more tired, more restless, etc. Be mindful of your body and feelings and pace yourselves!

In Solidarity, ALP Staff

Please see our Brooklyn office hours below:

Friday, November 2nd (1- 7 PM)
Saturday, November 3rd  (1- 7 PM)
Monday, November 5th (1- 7PM)
Tuesday, November 6th (1- 7 PM)
Wednesday, November 7th (1- 7 PM)
Thursday, November 8th (1-7 PM)


CITY WIDE FOOD & WATER DISTRIBUTION SITES: 
There will be food and water distribution sites throughout the five boroughs. The details of these sites, including the exact locations and hours of operation, can be found here: http://www.nyc.gov/html/misc/html/2012/foodandwater.html

The locations are as follows:

Brooklyn
Coffey Park at Richards Street
West 25th Street and Surf Avenue

Manhattan
West 27th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues
East 10th Street between Avenues C & D
Catherine Street between Cherry and Monroe Streets
Pitt Street and East Houston Street
Central Plaza at Division Street
Stanton and Pitt Streets

Queens
Beach 51st Street and Rockaway Beach Boulevard
Red Fern Avenue and Beach 12th Street
Beach 84th Street and Rockaway Beach Boulevard

Staten Island
Mill Road and New Dorp Lane
Yetman Avenue and Hylan Blvd
The American Red Cross has also established feeding locations on Long Island.

The Audre Lorde Project is a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two Spirit Trans and Gender Non-Conforming People of Color community organizing center focusing on the New York City area. 147 West 24th St. 3rd Floor, NY, New York 10011 Tel: 212-463-0342 * Fax: 212-463-0344 Web: www.alp.org