NEW ROCHELLE, NY (November 1, 2025) — The United Community Center of Westchester has temporarily closed its doors due to severe flood damage, with no set timeline for reopening, the organization announced.
“We want to inform you that our doors are temporarily closed — and at this moment, we do not yet know for how long,” the center said in a statement released to community members. “During this time, we ask for unity and solidarity from all who care about our mission and the people we serve.”
GOFUNDME: https://gofund.me/92d894218
The closure at 360 North Ave. followed flash flooding that began with an afternoon storm on Oct. 30 across southern Westchester County, including New Rochelle. The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Warning from 3:55 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. EDT on Oct. 30, with excessive rainfall causing ongoing runoff and urban flooding into Oct. 31. A Coastal Flood Advisory was in effect until 8:00 p.m. on Oct. 30.
Water inundated the facility on Oct. 30, severely damaging the emergency food pantry and services for vulnerable populations. Staff distributed perishable items outside on Oct. 31 to prevent spoilage, including half-gallons of milk given to other nonprofits like Choice of New York and HOPE Community Services.
The nonprofit, which serves over a million people annually with programs like food assistance and domestic violence support, described the need in New Rochelle as “severe” despite the area’s growth.
Major roadways were inundated, including U.S. Highway 1 (Boston Post Road), the Bronx River Parkway, the Hutchinson River Parkway and the Sprain Brook Parkway. Some roads remained closed into the morning of Oct. 31. Local emergency services in nearby Port Chester responded to flooded streets.
Flash floods impacted Metro-North Railroad tracks between Mount Vernon and New Rochelle, causing delays on the Connecticut line. One resident described it as a “mess” affecting low-lying areas near the water.
The center highlighted its history of resilience, noting it “stood strong and continued to serve our community with love, dedication, and faith” through the challenges of COVID.
“We have always found a way — and we will find a way again — to keep serving those who depend on us, even in the midst of this storm,” the statement said.
The organization emphasized its work for “those in need, for those who have no other place to turn, and for those searching for hope and solutions to life’s challenges.”
“Let us remember that God is our unshakable rock, and from Him comes all glory and strength. Together, with faith and compassion, we will overcome this moment and continue the work He has entrusted to us.”
Founded in November 2005 by social worker Jackeline Agudelo, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit provides services including an emergency food pantry, domestic violence supportive services, social services assistance for Medicaid, SNAP, temporary assistance, eviction prevention, school placement, affordable housing, Section 8, health insurance and unemployment insurance. Additional programs include ESOL classes, basic computer training, OSHA-30 safety workshops, tutoring for children, professional development skill training, immigration law updates, domestic violence prevention support groups, health awareness sessions, “know your rights” education, financial education, home health aide training, entrepreneurship seminars, arts programs and yoga for adults and seniors.
The organization also runs a Summer of Hope Camp for children, featuring educational visits from local first responders like New York State Troopers and New Rochelle Fire Department members to teach fire safety and community roles.
In 2025, it was awarded the Dr. Harold Keltz Distinguished Public Health Service Award by Westchester County for its commitment to public health. It holds a 1/4 Star rating from Charity Navigator.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.
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