RVC Hispanic Brotherhood Gets Funds to Help Sandy Victims

Hispanic Brotherhood of Rockville Centre recently got an infusion of funds to assist Long Island Latinos as well as all residents affected by Superstorm Sandy.

The American Red Cross awarded a $1 million grant to United Way of Long Island, which will provide financial support through sub-grants to Hispanic Brotherhood of Rockville Centre as well as Adelante of Suffolk County and La Fuerza Unida. The three organizations will administer disaster case management services and help homeowners navigate the permitting process for home repairs and rebuilding assistance.

“We are excited to be in a partnership with the Red Cross, United Way and our two Latino agencies, La Fuerza Unida and Adelante,” said Margarita Grasing, executive director of the Hispanic Brotherhood of Rockville Centre, which was established in 1984. “Together, we will alleviate the pain of many Hispanic families still waiting for help.”

The Red Cross said that Superstorm Sandy is its largest U.S. operation in more than five years. The organization has received $307 million in donations for Sandy emergency relief and recovery efforts. As of mid-July, the Red Cross has spent or committed 85 percent of the funds, or about $260 million.

Sandy recovery efforts include housing assistance, case management, mental health services, volunteer coordination and food assistance. Additional community grants will be announced in the weeks ahead.

“We applaud the American Red Cross for making a significant investment across Long island to help Latino families recover and rebuild,” said Theresa Regnante, president & CEO of United Way of Long Island. “The grant will enable the Long Island Latino Alliance to take a giant step forward. With our community-based partner organizations, we will expand the scope of bilingual services for Latino families who are still facing extraordinary hardship. The grant will help families reach recovery and come back stronger.”