United States

CT Leaders Push for Permanent Housing for Displaced Puerto Rican Families

It has been nearly a year since Hurricane Maria wiped out Puerto Rico, displacing approximately 1,700 families. On Tuesday, a federal judge decided to extend FEMA’s temporary shelter assistance program for another 20 days.

”We have so many people in the state of Connecticut,” said Lilly Velez-Herrera of Lilly Without Barriers. “If everybody did $1, I can house people for six months. One dollar.”

Community organizations around the state have been working for months to help find families affordable, long-term housing as lawmakers urge Washington to take responsibility.

“I’m also outraged and angry and embarrassed for our nation that we still have rejected the need for more permanent, longer-term housing that these families need and deserve,” said U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal. “We are hammering FEMA to do its job and fulfill its responsibility, and I’m hopeful FEMA will listen. It has an obligation.”

Velez-Herrera said several families were staying in the Red Roof Inn in Hartford. She said the transition has been tough and traumatic.

“There are jobs available, but when you say I don’t speak English, guess what that job is unavailable to you,” Velez-Herrera explained.

She said while the future is uncertain, they will continue to advocate for services.

”We’re hitting the pavement, but we don’t know if we’re going to find housing.”

Legislators said they will continue pushing Washington to act quickly given a long-term housing plan has been in place after other disasters such as Katrina and Superstorm Sandy.

“Treating Americans from Puerto Rico as second class citizens is absolutely reprehensible,” Blumenthal said. “They’ve received a temporary reprieve from the court, but what’s needed now is programs that will provide more permanent, longer-term housing relief.”

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