NATIONAL CITY, Calif. — Every year, the Chicano Federation honors Cesar Chavez's legacy with a day of service. On Saturday, they assisted families displaced by the floods staying at the Ramada Hotel in National City.
“There's still a lot of work to be done, there's still a lot of families that are suffering, so let's be kind to one another and let's help each other out,” Chicano Federation CEO Liz Ramirez said.
Twenty five families were displaced from the Chicano Federation's Delta apartment complex after they were heavily impacted by the storm. The floods destroyed their homes, and many of them even lost their cars.
“A lot of our residents are here at the Ramada, so we want to make sure that we take care of them, but we also know that a lot of other families that were affected are also lodged here in this hotel,” Chicano Federation Director of Development and Community Relations Veronica Macedo said.
Veronica Macedo explained just how crucial it is to provide these families support during this difficult time.
“It's very very important and also to bring them dignity, right? because we want everyone to feel welcomed, to feel their best selves,” Macedo said.
Volunteers were on the ground assisting people like Rosaura Delgado, who is now left with very little. She stopped by to get soap, toilet paper and body lotion.
“Total loss of property, in and outside, we lost all our cars too,” Delgado said.
After the floods, Delgado stayed at her cousin's home and then was able to get assistance to live at the hotel.
“We always need soap, sometimes we need toilet paper, and its hard ... its hard for everybody,” Delgado said.
The Chicano Federation also helped families connect to resources and services they might need to support them so they don't go through this recovery process alone.
“We might go through tough times, but as a community, we come together,” Ramirez said.
To support or volunteer with the Chicano Federation, visit chicanofederation.org
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