Governor Hochul Announces Partnership Between Mattress Firm, Inc., Habitat for Humanity New York City and Westchester County and New York State to Donate 500 Mattresses to Families Impacted by the Flooding Caused by Remnants of Hurricane Ida

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that Mattress Firm, Inc. and Habitat for Humanity New York City and Westchester County have partnered with New York State to donate 500 mattresses to families in Queens affected by the flooding caused by remnants of Hurricane Ida on the night of Sept. 1.

"New Yorkers faced waves of intense rain and historic flooding on the night that Ida swept across the Downstate region, with many waking up to find that much of their property was lost or destroyed," Governor Hochul said. "But like they always do, they helped their fellow neighbors clean, rebuild and restore their lives. And now, with the generosity of Mattress Firm and Habitat for Humanity NYC, we can help to offer a little piece of hope to those who lost so much - a new mattress to lay their heads."

The mattresses were distributed at First Baptist Church in the East Elmhurst neighborhood of Queens on Wednesday and Thursday.

John Eck, President and CEO of Mattress Firm. Inc., said, "Part of the fabric of our culture at Mattress Firm is to lead with heart and humanity. That's why we are committed to investing in and supporting communities where we live and work. It is a privilege to provide 500 mattresses to New Yorkers in need and alleviate a fraction of the stress they are going through. We know the importance of a good night's rest, especially after such a trying time."

Karen Haycox, CEO of Habitat for Humanity New York City and Westchester County, said, "The hidden costs of storm damage, like replacing high-cost household items including mattresses, often put even more stress on those impacted by disasters. We are honored to work alongside the Governor Hochul and our partners at the City, State and Federal levels to do our part to provide some relief for our neighbors. We are thrilled to be of service, helping in any way we can."

Donovan Richards, Queens Borough President, said, "We look out for each other here in the borough of Queens, and we are deeply grateful to Governor Hochul, Mattress Firm and Habitat for Humanity NYC and Westchester for securing 500 mattresses distributed to Queens families severely impacted by Ida. With so many residents still in need following Ida's devastating floods, my office will leave no stone unturned to ensure our families are made whole in the wake of this disaster."

Governor Kathy Hochul announced on September 6 that President Biden approved an expedited Major Disaster Declaration that will help provide for federal financial relief for local governments and New Yorkers and deliver individual and public assistance for eligible New Yorkers recovering from the flooding damage caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. The counties covered by the declaration for individual and public assistance include: Bronx, Queens, Kings, Richmond and Westchester. At this time, New York County is included for public assistance only. The Governor will continue to work with FEMA and federal, state, and local partners to ensure New Yorkers get the additional relief that they need. New Yorkers who have been displaced, including uninsured families, will be eligible for funds for housing assistance, as well as crisis counseling, unemployment assistance, home repairs and legal services.

About Mattress Firm, Inc.
Mattress Firm, Inc., has been in business for 90 years with more than 2,400 neighborhood stores helping more than 3 million people a year find the right solution for their sleep needs. Committed to serving communities, the Mattress Firm Foster Kids program, in partnership with the Ticket to Dream Foundation, joined forces with local foster care non-profit partners to help children in foster care get better sleep so they can shape a better future. For more information, visit www.mattressfirm.com

About Habitat For Humanity New York City And Westchester County
Habitat for Humanity New York City and Westchester County transforms lives and communities by building and preserving affordable homes with hard-working families—and by uniting all New Yorkers around the cause of affordable housing. With the help of thousands of volunteers each year, Habitat NYC and Westchester builds and repairs homes for families across the region. Learn more at www.HabitatNYCWC.org and connect with us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @HabitatNYC_WC.