How to Help Victims of the Brooklyn Building Collapse: Donation and Assistance Guide

a folding table inside a local community center piled with neatly folded winter coats, stacked blankets, and plain boxes of toiletries, with a blurred volunteer

AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.

Community Responds to Brooklyn Building Collapse

The fatal Brooklyn building collapse in Flatbush has had a devastating impact, leaving eight people dead and 18 injured. As a result, New Yorkers are rallying together to aid displaced families and survivors, offering various avenues of support through organizations and local leaders. Immediate needs range from housing and food assistance to essentials like clothing and toiletries. Here’s how you can provide victim assistance during this critical time.

Essential Toiletries: Where and What to Donate

Organizations involved in the relief effort are actively seeking donations of new and unopened toiletries. Needed items include toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, soap, body wipes, tissues, tampons, pads, hairbrushes, and baby wipes. Donations can be dropped off at these donation locations:

Flatbush YMCA at 1401 Flatbush Ave.
Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon St. (enter via Adams Street)
Councilmember Farah Louis’ office, 2253 Nostrand Ave.
D.R.U.M. at 1468 Flatbush Ave.

Gift Card Donations to Aid Displaced Families

Another way to offer emergency relief is through the donation of gift cards in $25, $50, or $100 denominations. These gift card donations will go directly to families affected by the flatbush collapse for needs such as groceries, clothing, and other essentials. Acceptable cards include those for food, phone service, or cash. Gift cards can be delivered to the same locations above.

Monetary Donations and Fundraising Initiatives

For those preferring monetary donations, several relief campaigns have been established:

The Flatbush YMCA’s GoFundMe campaign
The Velez family’s fundraising page (the family recently moved out of a shelter; their 9-year-old is recovering in the hospital)
A campaign for Jose Luis Caguana’s family, who lost his life in the collapse
The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, accepting donations here
The Flatbush Building Collapse Emergency Relief Fund by The Flatbush Development Corporation and Flatbush Tenant Coalition, donating via this link

Clothing Donations and Special Requests

The Bridge Multicultural & Advocacy Project is organizing a clothing donations drive. Donations of new or gently used clothing—especially winter gear such as gloves, scarves, sweaters, underwear, and children’s items (sizes medium to large, and various kids’ sizes)—can be dropped off at 1894 Flatbush Ave. on Nov. 16 and 17, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Additional Support: Toys and Bedding for Displaced Families

Community Board 17 is inviting the affected families to its annual Dec. 18 holiday party and encourages the public to contribute new toys or children’s gifts, which can be left at their offices at 4112 Farragut Rd.

There is also a call for new and unused bedding—sheets, pillows, pillowcases, blankets—with drop-offs accepted at:

Community Board 17 at 4112 Farragut Rd.
Clarendon Road Church at 3304 Clarendon Rd.
Lenox Road Baptist Church at 1356 Nostrand Ave.

Continued Community Support

In the aftermath of this tragedy, organizations like the YMCA, Red Cross, and local advocacy groups are providing essential services and shelter for families. Councilmember Farah Louis affirmed their commitment to supporting those who “lost everything.” New Yorkers seeking to help can choose from numerous ways to donate time, goods, or funds as the recovery process continues.