Community center employees press on despite storm damage to New Rochelle building
Employees at United Community Center of Westchester provide critical support services to residents in New Rochelle.
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A community organization in New Rochelle is pressing to support local families, despite major damage to the building they operate from.
Employees at United Community Center of Westchester provide critical support services to residents in New Rochelle.
"SNAP, emergency food pantry, diapers, insurance," says program coordinator Paola Reyes.
However, right now, the employees are working outside after a storm severely damaged their building last week.
"It's awful. We can't be here," says executive director Jackie Agudelo.
While the center will need to be rebuilt, team member Ana Hercules says their mission continues.
"On Wednesday, we're actually going to continue with our weekly food distribution of fruits and vegetables. We're going to have to set up a table outside of the center and continue to distribute," Hercules says.
Despite their own challenges, Agudelo says it's crucial to keep serving the community.
"Food insecurity, now, is bigger than ever with the cuts to SNAP and with the government shutdown. We're seeing new faces, also, so it's imperative that we continue," Agudelo says.
Organizers say they are accepting physical food donations for their drive on Wednesday.
The team is also searching for a temporary space while their office remains closed.
