While many tech companies and startups don't have the resources of AT&T or Duracell, they can alter their unique services in ways that help those in need. During the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, some New York companies did just that.
Because the subways were out, Uber's black car drivers were in huge demand. To get the drivers to pick up Uber customers, Uber had to start paying them 2X their normal rate. At first, Uber passed this rate increase onto its customers through a program it calls "surge pricing." But after an outcry, the company took on the cost itself.
There are more than 20,000 Airbnb listings available in affected areas. Airbnb is waiving all fees for these spaces. The company is encouraging its entire community to help anyone who has been left stranded or in need because of the Hurricane.
New York's technology community has taken a hit from Sandy with flooded offices, lost power, downed data centers and a subway network that is struggling to come to life. But local co-working spaces and companies are stepping up to find room for Sandy's refugees, providing Internet and office space for workers in need.
What other examples of tech companies using their unique assets and capabilities to help communities in need have you heard of?
More Coverage of Hurricane Sandy
"Destruction after fire in Breezy Point, Queens."
"Damage being repaired on the roof of the Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Arts and Crafts Center after Hurricane Sandy made landfall."
Via Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs/Sgt. Brett Perkins
"No traffic on the FDR today. This was all under water the night before. It's amazing how a storm like Sandy can completely shut down an entire city."
"Bleeker Street Pizza: OPEN- The electricity was still out, but they were making pizza anyway, with the help of their gas-fired oven and a few spelunker head lamps."
Via Nick Sherman
"Aerial views of the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy to the New Jersey coast taken during a search and rescue mission by 1-150 Assault Helicopter Battalion, New Jersey Army National Guard, Oct. 30, 2012."
Via U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Mark C. Olsen/Released
via Meghan Pipe
Via lafontainenissan
Via miss_pagano
"President Obama visits the American Red Cross Digital Command Center following Hurricane Sandy"
Via Dell
"Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia, visits Soldiers from the 2nd Squadron, 183rd Cavalry Regiment Oct. 30 in Portsmouth, Va. "
Via Virginia Guard Public Affairs
"Destruction after fire in Breezy Point, Queens." Via Official New York City Fire Department
"Destruction after fire in Breezy Point, Queens."
"Damage being repaired on the roof of the Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Arts and Crafts Center after Hurricane Sandy made landfall."
Via Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs/Sgt. Brett Perkins
"No traffic on the FDR today. This was all under water the night before. It's amazing how a storm like Sandy can completely shut down an entire city."
A submerged escalator at the South Ferry subway station in Lower Manhattan. Via MTA
People bail water from a basement of an East Village business. Via Brennan Cavanaugh
"Bleeker Street Pizza: OPEN- The electricity was still out, but they were making pizza anyway, with the help of their gas-fired oven and a few spelunker head lamps."
Via Nick Sherman
Via jesseandgreg
A truck is submerged in Battery Park, Manhattan. Via Andrea Canning
"Hurricane Sandy damage in Belmar, N.J. on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2012." Via Talk Radio News Service
"Aerial views of the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy to the New Jersey coast taken during a search and rescue mission by 1-150 Assault Helicopter Battalion, New Jersey Army National Guard, Oct. 30, 2012."
Via U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Mark C. Olsen/Released
Via Andrew Cuomo
Via thejkinz
A street underwater. Via thejkinz
A tree uprooted in Long Island, New York. Via nikki_skye
via Meghan Pipe
Via lafontainenissan
Via miss_pagano
"Main St. After Hurricane Sandy" Via DumboNYC
"Jane's carousel is basically an island now. Poor horses." Via andjelicaaa
Via toastmatic
Via katemcdermott7
"John Schmidt, of the West Virginia Field Office, photographed his backyard during Hurricane Sandy." Via U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services
Via juspostbellum
Via anitaaaaaaaaaa3
"President Obama visits the American Red Cross Digital Command Center following Hurricane Sandy"
Via Dell
"Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia, visits Soldiers from the 2nd Squadron, 183rd Cavalry Regiment Oct. 30 in Portsmouth, Va. "
Via Virginia Guard Public Affairs
"Spc. Anthony Monte along with Soldiers from the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New Jersey Army National Guard, mobilized for Hurricane Sandy provide assistance to displaced residents at an emergency shelter at the Werblin Recreation Center, Piscataway Township, N.J., Oct. 29, 2012."Via U.S. Army
Via John deGuzman
"Virginia National Guard Soldiers trudged through high water and cut trees to clear a path for two rescue missions that transported seven adults and one child to safety at two locations on Cattail Road in the Mears, Va. area Oct. 30." Via The National Gaurd
A car that has been smashed by a tree in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Via CSondi
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- Here's Proof That Hurricane Sandy Is Nothing Like Irene
- Incredible Viral Soldier Pic Debunked by Military
- Boy Rides Air Mattress Through Flooded Virginia Streets
- How Will Hurricane Sandy Affect The Internet? [VIDEO]
- 5 Emergency Apps to Download Before Hurricane Sandy Hits [VIDEO]
- How to Use Facebook and Twitter Without the Internet
- How Tech Start Ups Helped During Hurricane Sandy
- 5 Brands Helping In Post-Sandy Recovery
- Hurricane Sandy Highlights Areas Needing Design Innovation In NYC
- PSFK's Top Five Stories Of The Week
This article originally published at PSFK here.
PSFK is a Mashable publishing partner that reports on ideas and trends in creative business, design, gadgets, and technology. This article is reprinted with the publisher's permission.
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