SAN DIEGO — As another storm hits San Diego, many are still cleaning up from the flooding that decimated parts of the county last week. In Southcrest,
The Chicano Federation is helping those living in the Delta Apartment complex, which was hit especially hard when a flood channel behind the homes overflowed, sending water into all 25 units on the first floor. Making a bad situation worse, the parking lot also flooded, destroying several vehicles.
“All of their cars were floating and crashing into each other,” said Liz Ramirez, CEO of The Chicano Federation, which owns the complex. ”They're totaled. A lot of our tenants Lyft and Uber for a living. So they not only lost their homes, they also lost their primary source of income.”
Delta Apartments provides housing for refugees who fled their countries with little and now have even less after the storm filled some apartments with a foot or more of water.
“It's not just rain water,” Ramirez said. “It's sewer water. You can go into the units and feel the humidity and the smell and so, unfortunately, 90% of the things that are inside the units have to be trashed.”
The Chicano Federation put out a call for help, and their supporters came out big - volunteering to clean up the mess, supplying much needed items, and helping those affected get the resources they need.
“Our San Diego community always comes through and it's so powerful to witness and so although we've been heartbroken and devastated for the families, we're also full of hope,” Ramirez said.
The Chicano Federation also got a $100,000 donation from the James M. Cox Foundation. It’s money they're already using to help those displaced. “We're going to take care of them,” Ramirez said. “They'll have a roof over their head. Their basic needs are going to be met. They're going to have food.”
Most of those being helped right now by The Chicano Federation are not from the Latino community.
Ramirez makes it clear - The Chicano Federation is here for everyone. Unfortunately, with more rain falling, and another storm on the way, they fear more devastation is coming.
As a result, they're already putting out a call for more volunteers. You can easily sign up on their website.
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