Protect the Shore: A Resilience Fair Rooted in Place
Co-Hosted by Staten Island Nonprofit and the Staten Island Industrial Alliance (SIIA)
June 28, 2025 | Richmond Terrace Industrial Complex | Mariners Harbor, Staten Island
Why Mariners Harbor?
Mariners Harbor and Port Richmond remain among Staten Island’s most flood-vulnerable neighborhoods. During Hurricane Sandy, Staten Island accounted for 23 of NYC’s 43 storm-related fatalities, many concentrated in low-lying industrial zones.
Despite this, these areas are often left out of climate preparedness programs. That’s why Staten Island Nonprofit and SIIA made a purposeful decision: bring resources directly to the shoreline.
“A lot of people had concerns about the location,” said Nadia Adam, Executive Director of SIIA.
“But when you look at the impact flooding has had—especially in Mariners Harbor and Port Richmond—it’s hard to ignore. These are neighborhoods where preventable fatalities have occurred.”
What the Fair Delivered
Held at the Richmond Terrace Industrial Complex, the event focused on access, education, and direct support:
52 free flood preparedness kits
Demos on waterproofing, sump pump use, and electrical safety
Floodplain education from The City Sponge
A sand art station for children, supported by Youth WINS volunteers
Book reading from Maritime Careers of the New York Harbor by the Noble Maritime Collection
Community panel on flood resilience featuring New York Disaster Interfaith Services (NYDIS) and Protectors of Pine Oak Woods, highlighting local challenges and grassroots solutions.
Community Voices
Lucy Cummings of New York Disaster Interfaith Services (NYDIS) spoke about the vital role of community connection and faith-based support in disaster recovery—especially in communities facing chronic disinvestment.
Youth WINS played a key role in bringing creative, youth-led energy to the fair. Their volunteers helped lead the sand art station and supported on-site engagement, ensuring young residents had a space to connect and participate.
The City Sponge shared:
“This reminded us of the early days of Red Hook—when neighbors came together, took ownership, and made resilience feel personal.”
Lead Partners
Staten Island Nonprofit – Co-host; launched Community Climate Corps (CCC) and COAD
Staten Island Industrial Alliance (SIIA) – Co-host and site organizer
Community Climate Corps (CCC) – Led on-site engagement and distributed all 52 kits
The City Sponge – Provided floodplain visuals and education
New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV)– provided education around policy and advocacy for OSW and other projects.
NYC Emergency Management (NYCEM)- Emergency preparedness support and materials.
Youth WINS – Youth engagement and volunteer leadership
A Community-Centered Model for Resilience
This fair offered more than emergency prep. It showed what real, place-based climate support looks like—especially in communities most often overlooked.
“We didn’t just talk about resilience,” Adam said. “We delivered it—on the shoreline, with our neighbors, in a neighborhood that deserves to be seen.”
