Bed-Stuy Group Searches For Space To Keep Relief Efforts Going

BED-STUY, BROOKLYN — A relief network in Bed-Stuy is searching for a new home so it can keep helping neighbors through the coronavirus crisis.

Bed-Stuy Strong, which started in March 2020, is searching for two spaces in Brooklyn to collect and store groceries, diapers, clothing and other supplies that they have been distributing to neighbors during the pandemic.

The spaces will be the first dedicated landing ground for the network of more than 4,000 neighbors, who have been running the operation from wherever they could for the last year.

"We are all volunteer based so [we] operate out of our homes, offices, the grocery store, the park," volunteer Natalia Paez told Patch. "Wherever we can log on to our network or dial a neighbor."

One of the new spaces will be used as a staging area for Bed-Stuy Strong's distribution of baby supplies, air conditioning units, personal protective equipment, art kits, coats and other supplies. The network had been keeping the items at volunteer Kendra Brody's at-the-time closed down yoga studio until its search began, Paez said.

The second space will be used by a partner of Bed-Stuy Strong, Brooklyn Packers, who have helped store and pack groceries for the network's deliveries.

The network has made 20,000 deliveries of more than $1-million worth of groceries since it started in March 2020, Paez said.

The search for space is led by a group within Bed-Stuy Strong called BS3, who are actively searching the borough for leads, but are also open to suggestions.

The network has asked anyone who knows of spaces in Bed-Stuy or Central Brooklyn to email the group at bs3@bedstuystrong.com

Here are some details about what they are looking for:

Bulk space

• Measures 2-3K square feet
• Is on the ground floor
• Has large entrance doors for pallet jacks etc.
• Has a 10 x 10 ft. space for refrigeration (or an existing refrigeration setup)
• Has running water

Staging Space

• A new, long-term/semi-permanent space
• In a home, storefront, restaurant or similar — as long as there’s a bit of extra space, we’re down to hear about it!
• Which offers flexible entry — so a small handful of BSS members can get in and out as needed, coordinating with the keeper of the space