The Capital District Latinos community center receives $1 million grant

The Capital District Latinos community center in Albany received a much needed grant from the New York State Legislature.

There was a small gathering at the center where people had the chance to celebrate.

The capital grant is $1 million. Leaders from the community center say they needed this funding.

The center is located on Central Avenue and serves the Latino community. During the pandemic, the center served as a place where people could go to get information about the pandemic and receive the COVID vaccine. Daniel Irizarry, chairman of Capital District Latinos, says right before the pandemic hit, he was told the center needed a couple million dollars for repairs.

He was told if they didn’t receive the funding, they would have to shut their doors. Irizarry reached out to Assemblymember John McDonald. McDonald teamed up with Assemblymember Pat Fahy to help secure the grant.

Both Fahy and McDonald presented the Capital District Latinos with the ceremonial check. Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan says it was important the center received this grant.