After September 11, the Gramercy Park Block Association’s relief work grew from emergency meals and supplies into support for people spending long days in the recovery effort. Beginning in November 2001, the Block Association worked with the Olive Leaf Wholeness Center at Kenmore Hall on East 23rd Street.
The Block Association’s 2002 relief memorandum describes showers, a place to sleep and essential supplies, recording this phase of the effort through September 2002. The Block Association’s program record also describes the partnership as a sponsored wellness program for World Trade Center responders.
The setting connected two important chapters in the Block Association’s history: the neighborhood’s relationship with Kenmore Hall and its mobilization in support of first responders.
The Olive Leaf partnership accompanied the round-the-clock meal and supply operation at the 13th Precinct and Emergency Service Truck 1.