When speaking with friends and family about my recent volunteering so many are surprised that there is such great damage so close to NYC. This seems to be the trend; not many people are aware how disastrous Irene actually was to our neighboring areas. Although not everyone has time to participate in rebuilding these areas, it is important to be knowledgeable, compassionate and most important, thankful that our homes and family survived the storm.
I’ve always appreciated Buddha’s quote below, and I think it is perfectly fitting for this blog post…
“Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity.”
Emotionally moving videos of the wreckage:
http://wn.com/NY_Flood_Relief
Organization I volunteered with (they have the option to donate to the damaged areas):
http://hands.org/projects/project-catskills/
One of the many road-blocks I came to due to damaged roads and bridges
Another view of the damaged bridge
Debris falling down the side of the mountain
Road where the debris was shoveled to either side to prevent a blockage
Anytime it rains there is more damage as the roads aren't re-built or sustainable yet on their own
House completely torn from its foundation
House I worked on one day - we took all the wood out of the floor and walls since it was so badly damaged from the muck, mud and water
Another view of the main street in Prattsville
Debris piled up on the side of the road
