MIDLAND BEACH — The American Red Cross awarded a $250,000 grant to Make the Road New York, a group helping immigrant and low-income victims of Hurricane Sandy in Midland Beach with housing issues.
“Even though Sandy hit over a year ago, for most people the recovery has barely even started,” said Deborah Axt, co-executive director of Make the Road.
“Especially renters are struggling to find a safe place to live. Because rents have increased so much, many renters are now struggling to meet basic needs such as food for their families."
With the grant, Make the Road will assist 90 clients in Midland Beach with housing support and coordination, the Red Cross said. Make the Road will hire two full-time case managers, an outreach coordinator and a program assistant for a year.
“Many people continue to face housing challenges and the Red Cross is proud to partner with Make the Road New York to help some of the most vulnerable families in Staten Island,” said Josh Lockwood, CEO of the Red Cross Greater New York Region.
After the storm, Make The Road set up a satellite office in Midland Beach to help residents navigate resources. Their clients included undocumented immigrants who cannot get FEMA funds, the Red Cross said.
