Help for Latino victims of Sandy

Lower Manhattan, Red Hook, Staten Island, the Rockaways…to name a few places where community initiatives have emerged to help neighborhoods devastated by Hurricane Sandy. The solidarity is inspiring, showing this city and state’s humanitarian spirit.

However, as the weeks pass and the city tries to restore some normality, there is fear that help will begin to wane and the poorest, most vulnerable victims could remain out in the cold.

That’s the case for undocumented immigrants living in the affected areas. Without disaster insurance or access to federal benefits, and seeing their sources of income diminished because of the hurricane, these families are at greater risk of lack food and basic necessities.

It’s imperative for elected officials, from the mayor to council members, state and federal lawmakers, as well as consulates (many of which offer special services for their fellow expats) to create relief funds for victims with no or limited access to resources.

Some Hispanics affected by Sandy, regardless of their immigration status, were already dealing with housing issues and the pressures of displacement. Now, they may have a hard time getting repairs done and returning to their homes.

With a new housing crisis, it is critical that Latino leaders be at the table around recovery, reconstruction and rebuilding plans.

Hurricane Sandy left many lessons behind. One should be that in times of tragedy, we must not forget our poorest residents and the undocumented, who actively contribute to New York City.