Photo Courtesy of Benjamin Kanter/Mayoral Photography Office
According to Mayor de Blasio, the funds will be distributed to reputable relief organizations already working to support the people who have been impacted in Houston and the surrounding areas.
By Forum Staff
Employees of New York City can now directly donate a portion of their paychecks to hurricane relief efforts, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito announced on Friday.
According to the administration, the funds will be distributed to reputable relief organizations already working to support the people who have been impacted in Houston and the surrounding areas. One hundred percent of all donations will be dispersed to support relief efforts and organizations, the City noted.
“Over the past few days, Hurricane Harvey has devastated much of the Houston area, destroying houses and leaving thousands of Texans stranded. Rescue efforts are still underway, and Texans need all the help they can get. That is why I encourage everyone to contribute to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund or by donating a portion of their paychecks through the NYC Mayor’s Relief Fund – the proceeds of which will directly go towards disaster relief in affected areas,” Mark-Viverito said. “New York City stands with Houston, and I encourage all New Yorkers to offer assistance however they can. I thank Council Member Treyger and Council Member Richards for their hard work in calling attention to what is happening in Houston, and their partnership with elected officials and disaster relief organizations to help out during this difficult time.”
The money will be set aside and directed via the Mayor’s Fund to Advance NYC and distributed to organizations working on the ground – such as National Volunteering Organizations Active in Disaster, American Red Cross, and The Salvation Army – to provide relief to individuals, families, and communities that have faced the brunt of the storm. The Mayor’s Fund is also accepting donations from all New Yorkers via its website, nyc.gov/fund.
“Just as Texans were here for us during Hurricane Sandy, it is imperative that we stand with them during these difficult times,” said Councilman Donovan Richards (D-Laurelton). “Donating a portion of your paycheck to the Mayor’s Fund will go a long way in bringing immediate relief to those in need.”
