It wasn’t too long ago that the community rallied together in an unprecedented way to support one organization close to everyone’s heart: Hatzalah of Crown Heights. After 54 years of an ever-expanding operation forced to operate from an ad hoc collection of basements, garages, and quite a few people’s “mobile office,” Hatzalah had finally decided to take the next big leap forward. A giant step to help serve the community in a more professional, efficient, and heartfelt way: to build a central headquarters for the entire operation.
With a new state-of-the-art 10,000 sq. foot headquarters, Hatzalah will reach a new level of growth and professionalism. No longer will they be forced to run around fetching supplies and look to rent facilities for regular training. Finally, the ambulance bays will provide a home for the Hatzalah ambulances that otherwise stand in the elements of rain, snow, and sleet.
Improved facilities and logistical abilities for Hatzalah means faster response times and better care in case of an emergency, chas v’shalom. It means greater ability for Hatzalah to incorporate technological advances in first-response care, and ultimately, more lives saved.
The support was overwhelming. After all, who hasn’t availed themselves of Hatzalah’s services over the years? Like a trustworthy family member always ready to swoop in and be there in a time of a need, the simple fact that the ambulance with Hebrew writing stands ready 24-7 right there in front of 770 has always put the community at ease. Come what may, Hatzalah will be there for you.
Certainly in the wake of the furious and intense days of the COVID-19 pandemic, who doesn’t recall visions of Hatzalah members relentlessly crisscrossing the streets of Crown Heights to literally save dozens of lives? Who doesn’t remember the persistent wail of Hatzalah’s sirens and the countless personal cars of Hatzalah members as they brought vital care to those in such dire need? Just knowing that Hatzalah “has you covered” brought tremendous relief to a community traumatized by a pandemic no one could have even imagined days earlier.
The love showered on the effort that day to “Bring Hatzalah Home” was remarkable, and Baruch Hashem, Hatzalah was able to purchase a large plot of land on Albany and East New York Avenue.
And now, there’s more exciting news in the pipeline: The dream is starting to become a reality, and they’re breaking ground!
In just a few weeks b’ezras Hashem on 24 Adar Beis / March 27, the entire community is invited to attend the groundbreaking ceremony of Hatzalah’s new home in front of the new building location at 533 Albany Avenue.
With shovels to the ground, Hatzalah is moving one step closer to bringing their trademark exemplary, professional, and hartzige care to new levels for the community. For all those moments when Hatzalah was there for you, a loved one, a friend, or anyone else in the community, this is an opportunity to be there for Hatzalah—not in an ambulance chas ve’shalom, but with hope and joy as we celebrate together.
We are very thankful to all those that contributed to the campaign. This would not be possible without you! If you did not have a chance to participate, you can still participate today by clicking here.
B’ezras Hashem we will never need hatzoloh again, with the coming of Moshiach now!