Brooklyn woman opens her home to storm victims - Los Angeles Local News, Weather, and Traffic

Brooklyn woman opens her home to storm victims

Posted: Updated:
MYFOXNY.COM -

A bed and breakfast owner in Brooklyn is opening her home this Thanksgiving to Hurricane Sandy victims and FEMA workers. 

At this particular Clinton Hill, Brooklyn Thanksgiving dinner, everyone here is like a close knit friends and family. But just last month, Victoria Nightengale was not only a complete stranger, she had no place to live. 

"I really wanted to be here for the main meal, to be a part of a community," said Nightengale. "It means a lot to me."

Victoria moved into Michelle Martinez's apartment after Sandy ruined hers. Michelle posted an ad on the room renting website "airbnb" where she offered free rooms to Hurricane victims. 

"I have a big apartment, and on a whim I posted it and I have a lot empty rooms -- we have rooms and we still have power," said Michelle. 

At one point Michelle had more than a dozen displaced Hurricane victims. Some of them slept on the sofas. So many people needed a place to stay; Michelle even gave up her own bedroom. 

"We've had people on the couch, we've had people in the rooms, full house since the Hurricane," said Martinez. 

Of all Michelle's guests, only Victoria remains. While Victoria looks for a new place to live she realizes she's found a friend for life. 

"Michelle is the most compassionate, just a stranger, it's incredible," said Victoria.

  • Brooklyn NewsBrooklyn News

  • Friday, May 24 2013 10:44 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:44:03 GMT
    The unofficial start of summer is being met with not-so-perfect beach weather. Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this Memorial Day weekend following the destruction caused by Superstorm Sandy.
    The unofficial start of summer is being met with not-so-perfect beach weather.  Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this Memorial Day weekend following the destruction caused by superstorm Sandy. The Fox 5 weather team is calling for sunny skies on Sunday and Monday.
  • Friday, May 24 2013 6:09 PM EDT2013-05-24 22:09:59 GMT
    New York State has 17,000 highway bridges. There are some bad ones. The Tappan Zee Bridge, for example, is set to be replaced because of aging infrastructure.
    New York State has 17,000 highway bridges. There are some bad ones. The Tappan Zee Bridge, for example, is set to be replaced because of aging infrastructure.
  • Superstorm Sandy

    Friday, May 24 2013 4:02 PM EDT2013-05-24 20:02:22 GMT
    WCS photo
    Coney Island's famed New York Aquarium, devastated by Superstorm Sandy, will partially reopen Saturday, May 25, 2013. The Wildlife Conservation Society on Friday showed members of the media parts of
    Coney Island's famed New York Aquarium, devastated by Superstorm Sandy, will partially reopen Saturday, May 25, 2013. The Wildlife Conservation Society on Friday showed members of the media parts of
Powered by WorldNow

KTTV FOX 11
1999 S. Bundy Dr.
Los Angeles CA 90025

Main: (310) 584-2000
News Tips? (310) 584-2025

Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices