Stay Ready Flatbush was a rapid response effort for residents impacted by an extreme rainfall event in their neighborhood. It was part vigil for a neighbor who passed away during the flood, and part resource fair built around what people actually needed in their recovery phase.

Community partners were chosen specifically for what they could offer residents during recovery. The day felt less like a generic info session and more like real, individualized care for people still dealing with the aftermath.

Every resident who came through the resource fair got individualized attention. People received information matched to their specific circumstances instead of generic flood prep handouts.

The work started one way and pivoted along the way. What emerged was a new way of thinking about emergency preparedness in Flatbush, one built around recovery, neighbor-to-neighbor care, and the gap between what the city offers and what residents actually need.