October 29th is the second anniversary of the unfortunate affects of Hurricane Sandy. The super storm that demolished homes, schools, beaches and businesses is still relevant to neighborhoods in New York, New Jersey and other locations in the Northeast.
After two-years neighborhoods in Staten Island, Queens and Brooklyn are still trying to recover from the storm that reportedly killed 42 people. So far, it has been estimated that Superstorm Sandy has damaged 90,000 buildings in New York worth up to $19 billion in damages.
As hard as it is for residents that lost their homes and businesses, it is also hard for illegal immigrants who fear deportation. Residence cannot get federal or state assistance without a social security number.
According to CityLimits writer, Ray Sanchez, Juan Antonio Perez and his family are nearly homeless. Perez, 43, an immigrant from Mexico, works odd jobs to support his family since his regular job in a restaurant was closed due to the damages of Superstorm Sandy.
In Brighton Beach churches and non-profit organizations are still trying to assist people who have not received any government benefits due to their immigration status. Chani Okonov, a Day Care principle in South Brooklyn, organized a clothing drive for the people in the neighborhood that need assistance. She told City Limits, “75 percent of the people in line for the clothing drive they hosted were Latino immigrants.”
New York City councilmembers are working hard on post Hurricane Sandy initiatives to help local small businesses, homeowners and restoring neighborhoods. But not much has been done to help illegal immigrants in the metropolitan area that continue to feel the affects of Hurricane Sandy two-years later.
