Gateway Community College is partnering with other key New Haven community organizations on “Hurricane Relief Effort for Puerto Rico,” a joint effort to reach out to Puerto Rican families devastated by Hurricane Maria last month.  

According to Junta for Progressive Action, Inc., one of the collaborating organizations, New Haven has already seen the arrival of 52 Puerto Rican families, including 28 elderly people and more than 60 children, all fleeing post-hurricane conditions. The devastation includes severely damaged or destroyed homes; lack of water, electricity, adequate health care and medicine; closed schools; increased unemployment; interrupted public transportation and rising crime rates.  

The good news is that students, faculty and staff can help. Gateway will open its doors Saturday, Nov. 18 to local agencies supporting Puerto Rican evacuees coming to Connecticut during The Hurricane Relief Resource Expo. The expo will be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Curran Community Center (N100). The agencies will offer newcomers a “one-stop shop” to fill out paperwork and find out about available help with health care, housing, school, drivers licenses, etc.  

Those unable to attend the expo can participate in the campus-wide fundraiser, which kicked off Nov. 6 and is seeking monetary donations. These funds will not facilitate any payment for salaries or government work. Make your check payable to Gateway Community College Foundation, with Hurricane Relief Efforts the memo section. Interoffice or drop off your checks at the Development and Community Partnerships Department, S427.

A collection of emergency supplies also began Nov. 6. Supplies are needed in the following four categories: 

Non-perishable items 
Medical/first aid supplies 
Household items 
Personal hygiene items 
For more information contact Jenny Cintron-Dickens at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.