The United Community Center of Westchester (UCCW) is the first place many low-income families and immigrants in New Rochelle and the surrounding municipalities turn when they need help. Now UCCW needs community support. 

On Thursday evening, October 30, UCCW’s building at 360 North Ave. was flooded, destroying most of their equipment and supplies. The cause was a drainage problem on the roof that forced local firefighters to poke a hole in the ceiling to drain water pooling above it, averting further damage to light fixtures and a possible ceiling collapse. At this point, the organization has no idea of when their offices will be repaired enough to re-enter the building.

But UCCW’s dedicated staff were out on the street the very next day, giving away whatever could be salvaged from their recently stocked food pantry. And they remain at work outside their offices, so they can continue to help the community they serve, offering food and clothing, and helping to complete necessary documents from the back of their cars.

UCCW provides social services, enrolls people in health insurance and other benefits, helps with housing problems, and assists immigrants from many different countries with referrals for legal services. Many UCCW clients are survivors of domestic violence that find both support and access to services at the center.

The organization just celebrated its 20th anniversary in New Rochelle. It is one of five worker centers in Westchester County that are members of the National Day Laborers Organizing Network (NDLON), an affiliate of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), AFL-CIO. 

The timing of this disaster could not be worse. Many of UCCW’s clients, whether documented or not, live in fear of ICE, and are dependent on SNAP and other benefits that have been delayed due to the government shutdown.

In addition, according to Executive Director Jackeline Agudelo, the agency is already facing the threat of closure due to budget constraints. “Small non-profits tend to see the clients who are most difficult to reach and face truly complex situations,” said Agudelo. “Once we develop relationships with them, we can help them connect to larger organizations that offer counseling, mental health care and legal services.”

“But,” she added, “we often have the most difficulty competing for grants since we do not have the same organizational capacity as larger organizations.” Agudelo shared that UCCW is facing a deficit of nearly $200,000 between now and the end of the first quarter of 2026 if new funding is not obtained.

Supporters can check UCCW’s Go Fund Me page or visit their website to learn more about their amazing work and help them get back on their feet so they can continue to help community members.