(NYC ) -- It's been six months since New Yorkers have enjoyed the street vendors' tasty fare on the blocks surrounding The World Trade Center. Some of those same service workers now unemployed have to supplement their meals by getting a cup of hot vegetable rice soup from the New York City Relief Bus. A second bus also recently began addressing the physical and emotional needs of the city. See how OBI assisted in this effort...

The newly converted school bus proudly showed off its new white paint job as well as an onboard food service unit and counseling/referral office. Supported by OBI's outreach center, New York City Relief (NYCR) has just commissioned The Relief Bus II. Individuals from Manhattan's Chelsea Park, Brooklyn and Bushwick will be able to come to its open doors knowing someone is going to care. More than 20% of NYCR's surveyed guests lost their jobs due to September's tragic events. "OBI has helped us get this extra bus out here to deal with the increased need," NYCR's Dan Stoltzfus.

Having been a part of OBI's New York network for eleven years, NYCR connects people in need with life-changing services including drug rehabilitation, transitional-housing and job training. Through the Relief Bus program, individuals in need including the homeless, prostitute, alcoholic, unemployed and substance abuser have received 1.5 million servings of its' "famous" vegetable rice soup, bread and beverages over the last twelve years! Guests can look at job and shelter referrals, warm themselves with clothing, fill up on a hot meal as well as talk with caring NYCR volunteers.

"We're here for the long haul," conveyed Dan.

OBI's initial response began hours after tragedy struck. On September 13th the Hunger Strike Force distributed needed requested supplies to relief teams at Ground Zero. Since then, OBI has continued to help heal the hurts of NYC by providing thousands of rescue workers with hot Texas barbeque at the end of their shift; making sure hundreds of lost firefighter's children participated in a Christmas party and received gifts; and providing comfort, counsel and assistance to families of vicitms and the newly unemployed assisting many with rent, utility and other emergency assistance. You have helped us reach into all five boroughs and throughout the Metro New York area. Thank you.

New York will never be the same, but will be stronger with the continued support of partners like you.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
You can help by making an online donation toward OBI's disaster relief efforts. With your support, we can continue to provide emergency relief and recovery. Please make an on-line donation today.

 

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