At the City Council’s Citizens To Be Heard Session on February 16, ten clients and volunteers of the United Community Center of Westchester (UCCW) pleaded with Council members to help restore their beloved center, which has remained without a facility for four months after severe flooding in late October. An additional 15 to 20 UCCW supporters sat quietly in the auditorium in solidarity.

For most of the speakers, many addressing City government for the first time, the experience was both emotional and courageous. Speaking in Spanish with the assistance of a translator, they shared deeply personal stories.

Speakers ranged from a young man in his early twenties who described how UCCW helped him learn English and obtain OSHA certification, to an 81-year-old woman who tearfully shared how the organization has supported her for over 20 years in securing housing and healthcare. 

Another woman spoke about waiting in the cold outside UCCW’s office to speak with a staff member in their car about an urgent issue. Regardless of their country of origin, which included Peru, Mexico, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic, their stories shared a common theme –UCCW had been there for them when they first arrived and needed help most.

Volunteers also spoke about the wide range of services the center provides, including art programs, dance classes, yoga, IT training, counseling, emergency food assistance, and other vital social supports. They described the center as more than an organization – it’s like family to those who rely on its services. All speakers expressed a level of emotion rarely seen at council meetings, respectfully asking City leaders to use the resources at their disposal to assist the center in reopening fully and safely.

Flood damage inside UCCW headquarters

According to UCCW Executive Director Jackeline Agudelo, repairs to the facility have been sporadic and remain far from complete. She expressed concerns about mold, the risk of further flooding, and the significant costs required to replace equipment and supplies lost when rainwater poured through the ceiling. In the meantime, UCCW lost several contracts because it could not meet deliverables without a proper facility, has been forced to lay off three staff members, and has had to forgo grant opportunities due to the lack of appropriate program space.

This disaster could not have come at a worse time for New Rochelle’s immigrant community, many of whom are living in fear due to current ICE activities and require more support than ever.

The final speaker, who had translated for all the others, addressed the council in English, saying: “UCCW doesn’t just help immigrants, it helps the entire City by taking care of those who need assistance. Who would help them if they couldn’t go to UCCW?”

Speakers left the meeting grateful that they had been heard and hopeful that City Council members and staff would respond to their pleas.

To learn more, visit UCCW’s website or GoFundMe page.