Damaging floods force volunteers out of United Community Center of Westchester
NEW ROCHELLE (WABC) -- Volunteers at the United Community Center of Westchester, a place known for lifting others up, have been forced out of their building after devastating floods destroyed vital equipment and left the facility unsafe.
Now, those who have always been there for the community are the ones in need.
To rebuild and continue their mission of service, it's going to take a major effort.
Jesus Celada is a SNAP recipient whose benefits being cut off forced him to rely on food distributions.
He's one of dozens who lined up in the shadows of luxury buildings rising in New Rochelle.
20 years ago to the day, the United Community Center of Westchester opened its doors.
Last week's storm caused extreme flooding and thousands of dollars in damage.
"What happened to us hurts, but we're thinking about the people we help on a day-to-day basis," one volunteer said.
The nonprofit provides everything from diapers to immigration and employment services to counseling for domestic violence victims.
"We're staying strong. We're trying to make this work as much as we can so we can help everybody and not just New Rochelle, we help Westchester County or anyone who walks through our doors," Paola Reyes with the United Community Center said.
The group has started a GoFundMe page and is asking for donations so it can continue its mission at a time of increased need.
The goal is to work outside until the space is safe enough to reoccupy and continue serving the community as it has for two decades.
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