Locals have wondered where exactly all the charity money for Superstorm Sandy has been going. Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is hoping to answer some of their questions.
Schneiderman last week released fundraising numbers for all charities that have raised money for Sandy relief efforts, also making public a questionnaire that the attorney general’s office sent to charities asking them about how they spent their money. To date, 88 charities have responded to the AG’s questionnaire.
Eric Shneiderman
“The generosity of the public and the hard work of charities in response to Hurricane Sandy is inspiring,” Scheniderman said. “As we continue to monitor charitable activities related to Sandy relief, it is essential that nonprofit organizations operate in the most transparent way possible.”
The American Red Cross, maligned by some for its slow response to the disaster, led the way raising $188 million. The Robin Hood Foundation, which helps the poor in New York City, raised $45 million. The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, the Empire State Relief Fund and the Salvation Army, USA Eastern Territory raised $45 million, $15.4 million and $14.3 million respectively. The other 83 organizations reported raising $77 million.
Charities were asked to respond to varying questions, typically seven in number. They were asked about how much of the money raised would go to Sandy relief and what services they have provided to those affected by Sandy. One of the AG’s questions likely on the minds of affected homeowners is whether the charity provided direct financial assistance to individuals, businesses or families.
The Red Cross, for example, said it only provides direct financial assistance in the case of smaller disasters, where emergency cash assistance is the only financial resource available.
“In a large disaster such as this, FEMA [Federal Emergency Management Agency], the Small Business Administration and other government agencies are providing financial assistance to people and businesses and the Red Cross is encouraging those affected to apply with those agencies,” the Red Cross wrote. “Partnering with government agencies such as FEMA and other groups, we will identify victims with long-term needs and work with multiple resources in the community to build an individual recovery plan for them. This plan could include funding to help in the recovery process.”
However, the Red Cross did write that they have provided $192,000 in financial assistance in the New York City hotel program for clients to buy food. $81,281 was provided to people with verified mental or health needs caused or made worse by the storm.
Occupy Sandy, the offshoot of the Occupy Wall Street movement that rose to prominence in 2011, gained the national spotlight again through their relief efforts in the Rockaways. The grassroots, non-hierarchical organization said it had raised $725,319.85 and was using the money for direct food and water aid, as well as for medical help, legal clinics, psychological help and mold remediation.
The full list is available at charitiesny.com. Any complaints concerning charitable activities relating to Hurricane Sandy should be sent to the Charities Bureau’s Sandy email address at sandyresponse@ag.ny.gov
By Ross Barkan
