How to Help Victims of the Flatbush Building Collapse in Brooklyn
A three‑story residential building collapsed in Flatbush, Brooklyn on November 11, 2026, killing at least eight and injuring more than a dozen. Immediate relief efforts are underway, with multiple donation sites and emergency assistance centers open for displaced residents and donors.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- New donation sites and emergency assistance centers opened in Flatbush
- Timing
- Available immediately following the November 11 collapse
- Who is affected
- Displaced residents, donors, and volunteers in Brooklyn
The details
- Announced by
- Mayor Zohran Mamdani and New York City Emergency Management Office
Incident Overview
On November 11, a three‑story residential building under construction in Flatbush, Brooklyn, collapsed. The disaster claimed at least eight lives and left more than a dozen people injured. The neighbourhood, home to the city’s largest Afro‑Caribbean community, saw many immigrant New Yorkers among the victims.
Donation and Supply Drop‑Off Locations
Local organisations, elected officials and city agencies have set up several collection points for masks, hygiene products and gift cards. Each site lists its address, contact number and operating hours, allowing donors to deliver items directly.
- Community Board 17 – 4112 Farragut Road, Brooklyn, NY 11210, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Mon‑Fri (N95/KN95 masks)
- Brooklyn Borough Hall – 209 Joralemon St., Brooklyn, NY 11201, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Mon‑Fri (personal hygiene items, diapers, gift cards)
- Councilmember Farah Louis Office – 2253 Nostrand Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11210, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Mon‑Fri (unopened hygiene kits)
- DRUM – 1468 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11210, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Mon‑Fri (general supplies)
- Flatbush YMCA – 1401 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11210, 8:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m., daily (food, clothing, shelter referrals)
Emergency Assistance for Displaced Residents
The city’s Emergency Management Office and the American Red Cross operate an emergency reception center at the Flatbush YMCA. Services include temporary hotel rooms, meals, clothing, health resources and emotional support. The Human Resources Administration (HRA) also provides a benefits access center for SNAP, Medicaid, emergency cash and moving assistance.
- YMCA reception – 9 a.m.–6 p.m., confirm hours before visiting
- Red Cross hotline – 877‑733‑2767 (877‑RED‑CROSS) for phone assistance
- HRA Benefits Access Center – 495 Clermont Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11238, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Mon‑Fri (online ACCESS HRA portal available)
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers heading to Brooklyn should expect increased foot traffic near donation sites and the YMCA reception center.
- Visitors planning to stay in Flatbush may encounter limited hotel availability due to temporary shelter allocations.
Cost and documents
- No additional travel fees are imposed by the city; standard transportation costs apply.
- Donors are not required to submit paperwork, but may be asked for proof of identity at certain drop‑off points.
What you need to do
- Check operating hours for each donation location before delivering supplies.
- If displaced, call the Red Cross hotline or visit the YMCA reception during listed hours.
- Visit the HRA ACCESS portal to determine eligibility for emergency cash or SNAP benefits.
Who this affects
-
Displaced Flatbush residents
They have lost housing and basic necessities due to the building collapse.
What to do Visit the YMCA emergency reception center for shelter, food and health resources.
-
Local donors and volunteers
They are needed to provide masks, hygiene items and financial gifts to affected families.
What to do Deliver supplies to the listed collection points during their operating hours.
-
Travelers staying in Brooklyn
Hotel capacity may be affected by temporary emergency housing allocations.
What to do Confirm hotel availability and consider alternative accommodations if needed.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I donate masks for the Flatbush building collapse?
Masks can be dropped off at Community Board 17, located at 4112 Farragut Road, Brooklyn, NY 11210, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What emergency services are available for people displaced by the collapse?
The city’s Emergency Management Office and the American Red Cross run a reception center at the Flatbush YMCA offering temporary hotel rooms, meals, clothing, health resources and emotional support.
How do I apply for emergency cash or SNAP benefits after the collapse?
Contact the HRA Benefits Access Center at 495 Clermont Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11238, or use the online ACCESS HRA portal to request emergency assistance, SNAP or Medicaid.
Are there any fees for donating supplies to the Flatbush relief effort?
No fees are charged for donations; donors simply need to bring the requested items to the designated drop‑off locations during business hours.
Can I get help over the phone for the Flatbush disaster?
Yes, the American Red Cross provides a 24‑hour disaster assistance hotline at 877‑733‑2767 (877‑RED‑CROSS) for shelter, financial aid and health support.
