Flatbush Collapse Prompts Emergency Relief Fund
A deadly building collapse at Flatbush and Bedford avenues in Brooklyn has led New York City to set up an emergency relief fund for affected families.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Emergency Response
A building collapse in Flatbush, Brooklyn killed people on Wednesday at Flatbush and Bedford avenues. New York City has set up an emergency relief fund for those affected, and rescue operations at the site concluded Thursday evening.
Why it matters
The collapse has displaced families who now need shelter, food and clothing in the short term, and the city's relief fund is intended to help meet those needs across New York City. The response shows how local nonprofits and volunteer groups are being mobilized alongside city resources.
The city has confirmed that rescue operations at the Flatbush and Bedford avenues site concluded Thursday evening, but no official casualty or displacement count has been provided. The cause of the collapse and the total number of affected families remain unreported.
The players
Heart 9/11
Heart 9/11 is a nonprofit organization founded in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks that provides disaster relief and volunteer coordination for New Yorkers.
Uber
Uber is a multinational ride-hailing company headquartered in San Francisco that has partnered with relief organizations to provide transportation during emergencies.
The details
The Flatbush YMCA has been turned into a welcome center for families needing shelter, and The Bridge Multicultural Advocacy Project is serving as a donation drop-off site. Heart 9/11 is coordinating volunteers, who have filled boxes with essential care packages, and is working with Uber to provide transportation for affected people.
Timeline
Wednesday: A building collapse occurred in Flatbush, Brooklyn.
Thursday evening: Rescue operations at the collapse site concluded.
Next Monday and Tuesday: An emergency clothing drive is planned.
Seasonal Patterns
The Flatbush response follows the same pattern of city-established relief funds and volunteer-run shelter centers used after the 2015 Bronx apartment building collapse, in which New York City emergency management coordinated displaced-resident services.
Residents who need shelter can go to the Flatbush YMCA welcome center, and those who want to help can drop off donations at The Bridge Multicultural Advocacy Project. Donations to the city's emergency relief fund can be made through the official city page by selecting "Emergency Relief Fund" from the dropdown menu.
The takeaway
Affected families will need short-term housing and essentials, and organized volunteer and donation efforts are the fastest way for residents to help. Checking official city channels is the most reliable way to find current shelter and donation information.
Further reading
For more on how the city coordinates responses like this, see Emergency Response coverage for New York City.
More information
Donations can be made through the NYC Emergency Relief Fund donation page.
