Grassroots Organizers Help Sandy Victims

Occupy Sandy has no official structure or government connections, but it gets stuff done

"They're evacuating the Rockaways," says Tammy, identified by her duct-tape name tag. "The storm surge is going to be 3 to 5 feet.  I can't send my volunteers into a dangerous situation."

"We've got that U-Haul truck of donated groceries," replies Shlomo, wearing a green military-style cap.  "The truck's gotta go back to the Upper West Side tonight, and it's all fresh food that's gonna spoil.  I think I can make it out there.  What do you wanna do?"

She sighs.  "I already told all the cars to turn back.  I don't know."

They gaze out at the street in front of St. Jacobi Church in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Double-parked cars drop off donations or get filled with supplies and potential field volunteers.  A new storm is set to hammer a region that hasn't yet recovered from Hurricane Sandy.  Basements remain flooded, countless high-rise towers are still without power or water, and the Red Cross and FEMA can't keep up with the community's basic needs.