Meng Announces Nearly $2 Million In Federal Grants For Nonprofits In Queens

QUEENS, NY – Today, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced that nearly $2 million in federal funds has been awarded to two nonprofit organizations in Queens: Make the Road New York and La Jornada.

Make the Road is the largest grassroots immigrant-led organization in New York State and is located in Jackson Heights, focusing on issues like workers’ rights, immigrant and civil rights, and environmental and housing justice. La Jornada, a food pantry in Woodside, helps to provide basic services to address the needs of the immigrant and low-income communities in Queens.

The money, which includes $1.6 million for Make the Road and $250,000 for La Jornada, will help provide equipment and services, including the purchasing of technology, to reduce poverty and create opportunities for economic advancement such as adult literacy, health access and legal services. In addition, the funding will help buy tools to combat poverty for low-income immigrant communities throughout New York City.

“As New York’s senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, a key part of my job is ensuring that federal agencies are properly funded so that they are able to assist non-profits which aim to serve their communities,” said Meng. “The nearly $2 million that was awarded to La Jornada and Make the Road will go a long way to help ensure that the key goals of both of these organizations are reached.”

“We’re deeply appreciative of our House allies for supporting our work to provide programs and services for thousands of immigrants and working-class New Yorkers so that they can live with respect and dignity,” said Theo Oshiro, Co-Executive Director of Make the Road New York. “We strive every day to ensure that everyone, regardless of race, immigration status, or gender identity, finds the support and solidarity they need, when they open the door to our organization.”

“For the past 13 years, the mission at La Jornada has always been to serve with compassion New York City’s most vulnerable families, which sometimes includes the immigrant communities that arrive to our great city. We have always been proud to provide basic needs to these vulnerable groups, while also working to empower them to help them reach their full potential,” said Pedro Rodriguez, Executive Director of La Jornada. “We thank Rep. Meng and her congressional colleagues for working to secure funding for organizations like ours that aim to uplift and enrich the New York community and similar communities around the country. We look forward to continuing to work with Representative Meng to help secure future funding that will help advance our mission.”  

The funds were awarded by the Administration for Children and Families, which is a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.