Lee Zeldin launches group to aid NY’s needy
Former Long Island Rep. and Republican gubernatorial nominee Lee Zeldin is launching a charitable group to help New York’s needy.
“Zeldin Cares” will raise funds and tap a volunteer base to address homelessness and food insecurity, help bolster veterans’ services, provide youth mentoring, spruce up blighted buildings, parks, and streets and spur economic development in impoverished neighborhoods, he told The Post.
Zeldin said he got the idea while stumping in disadvantaged communities that told him they felt taken for granted by politicians from both political parties.
“I am steadfast in my commitment to deliver the leadership we need to move New York forward in the communities which could use help the most,” Zeldin said in a statement. “Whether it be helping young entrepreneurs in an inner-city community, cleaning up a public space, or providing volunteers to a partner organization, I am going to continue to do my part to create a better future for New York.”
Zeldin, during an interview with The Post, added, “We don’t have to be in a position of power to make a difference.
“We don’t have to wait for the government to get something done.”
Zeldin — whose strong performance in a narrow loss to Democrat Kathy Hochul in the governor’s race last year is credited with helping flip four battleground House seats into the GOP column — said tackling problems such as multi-generational poverty should not be a partisan issue.
He previously acknowledged that Republican candidates have to do a better job among minority and Democrat-leaning New Yorkers — particularly black voters — to be viable in statewide races.
Many reside in the lower-income neighborhoods he seeks to help.
“It’s not about blind partisan loyalty for a lot of New Yorkers,” Zeldin when it comes to aiding the needy.
He said he admired former Democratic President Jimmy Carter’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity, which helps build homes for the needy.
During the campaign, Zeldin proposed creating a business incubation center in Harlem.
“We want to move forward with that. People pledged significant seven-figure support,” he said.
Zeldin Cares will work with The Arcs in the Capital Region, a group that serves nearly 1,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
His group will help provide extracurricular activities, such as sending kids on trips to a Six Flags amusement park.
Zeldin Care volunteers also will deliver home-bound meals to the elderly in concert with Meals on Wheels.
Longer term, he’s been in discussions with an apparel company to design jackets specifically for homeless individuals to stay warm during the winter months.
He’s also working with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and community groups to bolster the Village of Hempstead.
The creation of the non-profit charitable shows Zeldin intends to remain active and visible after surrendering his congressional seat to run for governor.
Some supporters urged him to run to become chairman of the Republican National Committee, but he declined when it became apparent that incumbent Ronna McDaniel had the votes to secure re-election.
He also started his own consulting firm, Zeldin Strategies.
A military vet, Zeldin served four years in the US Army before getting elected to the state Senate and later to Congress.
