La Casa Comunal, a project organized and operated by Farmingdale Citizens for Viable Solutions, is in jeopardy of closing due to lack of funding.

The center, located at 150 South Front St. in Farmingdale, is not a hiring site, but offers immigrants English classes, food, translations, used clothing and bicycles, computer lessons and immigration help.

"It was born out of a conflict between residents who felt their quality of life was under siege by day laborers standing on street corners, and advocates who defended their right to work," FCVS President Janet Liotta said. "FCVS desires to build bridges between the established residents and the newly arrived immigrants."

The intention of FCVS, Inc., according to Liotta, was to be an available community entity that would respond with reason and justice to the problem of the assemblage of day laborers seeking work on the village street corners.

"Our initial goal was to provide a safe, sheltered place with a bathroom," she added. "Here, it was hoped that both the men and contractors would have a safer venue than the street corner for this purpose. We made two attempts at this and twice were shut down by the strong opposition of village and area residents."

Liotta said FCVS wants to maintain stability and civility with their pulse on the changing times.

"One of the phenomena of the changing times is this huge influx of cheap labor from Central and South America," she added. "Farmingdale has been visited by this phenomena and Farmingdale must learn to deal with it in a civil and just way. We must always keep in mind that every law is not a just law."

Liotta also explained that the group has been able to build a trust of Latinos for the community and police.

"In fact, we have an excellent rapport with the POP unit and the 8th Precinct," she added.

The La Casa Comunal project, formed in 2003, is made possible by the contributions of community supporters. Initially, the project was started with the remaining funds from a Catholic Health Services grant. They received assistance from HOLA, a Hispanic professionals group, and a worker's rights activist who was paid by Work Place Project. They were also issued another grant from the Catholic Campaign for Human Development.

However, now Liotta said continuing the program's future is "looking quite dismal."

"FCVS has only $2,800 left - just enough to get us through May," she added. "We are having a real problem getting funds and feel that private donations of committed people are the only way to keep it going. As of now the only churches contributing are the Farmingdale Methodist congregation, Christ the King Parish in Commack and Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish in Centerport. What we could really use is cheaper place to rent, nearby."

For now, Liotta said the center has packed their schedule to get in important programs. Their last program will be a bicycle safety program to be offered on May 17 at 7:30 p.m. For information on how to help or about programs offered, call 249-0416.