Severe weather hazards – like heavy rain, storms, and extreme heat – are impacting New York City with more frequency and intensity. Faith leaders are often the first responders in emergencies and play a critical role in helping communities recover and rebuild. The anchor institutions that keep communities together are vital for the planning of the future; however, they often do not have the resources or capacity to support this work.

Designed with New York City religious leaders in mind, this toolkit is a flexible resource that can be used by faith leaders of all traditions and communities to:

• Learn about severe weather impacts and identify future risks in their communities
• Easily access resources from governments and nonprofits to prepare for extreme weather events
• Identify language and information to use when calling for action from government or their community
• Equip each other with the knowledge and tools to plan ahead

It is co-created by the NYC Faith Sector Climate Adaptation Working Group, a collaboration of faith leaders of diverse traditions, representing all five boroughs in New York City. Developed through Working Group site visits, shared meals, and conversations in every borough, the toolkit offers practical resources to strengthen preparedness, communication, and advocacy within the faith sector.