Flatbush Collapse: Help for Displaced Immigrant Residents
At least eight people died when a residential building collapsed in Flatbush, Brooklyn on November 11, 2026, and Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed that immigrant New Yorkers were among the victims. Dozens more were displaced overnight with nowhere to go. City agencies, the Red Cross, and community groups have opened emergency centers — here is exactly where to go and what to ask for.
At least eight people died and more than a dozen were injured when a three-story residential building in Flatbush, Brooklyn collapsed into a nearby construction site on November 11, 2026. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed that immigrant New Yorkers were among those killed. Flatbush is home to New York City's largest Afro-Caribbean and West Indian community, and many of those affected are immigrants navigating this crisis without a clear path to help.
Where displaced residents can get help right now
The NYC Emergency Management agency and the American Red Cross set up an emergency reception center at the Flatbush YMCA, located at 1401 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. — confirm current hours before going. At the center, displaced residents can get temporary hotel lodging, food, clothing, health resources, and emotional support. This center is for people directly affected by the collapse.
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The American Red Cross Greater New York chapter also offers emergency help by phone at 877-733-2767. They can connect you with temporary shelter, financial assistance, mental health support, and health services.
The NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) — the city agency that manages public benefits — opened its Benefits Access Center in Clinton Hill for affected residents. The address is 495 Clermont Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11238, phone 929-221-2809, open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can ask about emergency cash assistance, SNAP food benefits (food stamps), Medicaid, and help with moving and storage costs. Contact the center first to confirm which programs apply to your situation.
What to do
- If you were displaced by the collapse, go to the Flatbush YMCA (1401 Flatbush Avenue) between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. to access emergency shelter, food, and clothing — confirm hours before visiting.
- Call the Red Cross at 877-733-2767 to ask about financial assistance and mental health support — you do not need to show immigration status to receive emergency help from the Red Cross.
- Visit or call the HRA Benefits Access Center at 495 Clermont Avenue, Brooklyn (929-221-2809) to ask about emergency cash, food benefits, and Medicaid.
- To donate supplies in person, drop off new toiletries and hygiene items at Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon St, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Emergency disaster relief — including Red Cross shelter, food, and crisis counseling — is available regardless of immigration status and does not trigger any immigration enforcement action. Accepting emergency assistance after a natural or structural disaster is not considered a 'public charge' under current USCIS policy and will not harm a future green card application. If you are undocumented and afraid to seek help, contact a local immigration legal services organization before making any decisions — they can advise you confidentially.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can undocumented immigrants get help at the emergency center without risking deportation?
The Red Cross and NYC Emergency Management provide disaster relief regardless of immigration status. Accepting emergency shelter or food after a building collapse is not an immigration enforcement trigger and is not considered a public charge event under USCIS rules. If you have specific concerns, a local immigration attorney can advise you confidentially.
Will asking HRA for emergency cash or Medicaid hurt my green card application?
Emergency disaster assistance — including short-term cash help and Medicaid for emergency medical care — is generally excluded from the public charge analysis under USCIS policy. However, every case is different. Lawyers recommend speaking with an immigration attorney before applying for ongoing benefits if you have a pending green card application.
Where can I donate to help families affected by the Flatbush collapse?
You can donate online through the Flatbush DSA relief fund (100% goes to organizations helping affected families) or through the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City by selecting the Emergency Relief option. In person, drop off new toiletries at Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon St, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What documents do I need to get help at the Flatbush YMCA emergency center?
The source does not specify a document requirement for the emergency reception center. In general, Red Cross disaster relief does not require proof of immigration status or a government ID. Call the center at the Red Cross number (877-733-2767) or check NYC Emergency Management updates before visiting to confirm what, if anything, you need to bring.