Dear Supporters and Friends,

On October 29^th, Hurricane Sandy’s storm surge hit the New York City area flooding streets, tunnels and subway lines and cutting power in and around the city.  The impact of the storm affected the lives of many individuals and businesses alike.  The Spanish Speaking Elderly Council-RAICES (“RAICES”) was not immune to the impact of the storm.

Unfortunately, one of the storm’s heaviest hit areas was the Red Hook section of Brooklyn, New York.  Home to RAICES’ Red Hook Senior Center located at 6 Wolcott Street.  The Center was totally destroyed by the storm with over five feet of water/sewage damaging all furniture, fixtures, inventory, appliances, computer equipment, etc.  RAICES has estimated losses and expenses of nearly $103,000.  Unfortunately, only a small portion of which is likely to be covered by insurance.

In response, RAICES found a temporary facility and continued to serve the elderly and disabled and everyone else in the community in need of meals, clothing, and case assistance.  The RAICES staff and volunteers were available at the facility at 8:00 am and stayed opened late (sometimes until midnight) seven days a week.  Food was prepared at other RAICES sites, and delivered daily.  Our own “meals on heels” home delivery of meals program was adapted to include individuals and families who were unable to visit the facility on their own.  In all over 6,000 meals were distributed from October 30^th through December 1^st , 2012.

Your support is urgently needed for the recovery of the Red Hook Senior Center and RAICES’ programs in general.  A tax-deductible contribution can be made by visiting the NY Charities  website by clicking here, or by mailing a check directly to RAICES at 460 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217.

Thanks to friends like you, the Spanish Speaking Elderly Council-RAICES is committed and continues to meet the special needs of minority and low income older adults in New York.

Sincerely,

José R. Ortiz Ortiz, LCSW

Executive Director