Newark's religious leaders organize relief effort - DC Breaking Local News Weather Sports FOX 5 WTTG

Newark's religious leaders organize relief effort

FEMA opened its Newark help center on Monday, two weeks after Superstorm Sandy left most of the city without power.

But in less than 48 hours after the storm, Pastor Joe Carter mobilized an interfaith effort that is providing lifesaving relief around the clock.

The church where the world said goodbye to superstar Whitney Houston is now a bustling but tightly organized relief and distribution center that's already aided tens of thousands of people. Carter has temporarily traded his pulpit for a folding table command post to mobilize a massive effort supported by local ministers, rabbis and imams.

The walls in this church basement war room are covered with maps of Newark. They're updated daily as field reports come in from volunteers, like Bishop Jethro James, chaplain for the New Jersey state troopers.

People needing help get a meal and a number, and then are taken in to the church to get food and supplies. Children and babies, like 5-month-old Melvasia, are a top priority.

FEMA has opened a disaster recovery center in Newark for those whose property was damaged and for small businesses suffering losses.

People are coming from beyond the Newark city limits seeking help here. What they need most now are baby supplies.

Donations to the New Hope Baptist Church relief fund can be made at:

www.newhopenewark.org