Help Carlos and His Family Keep Their Store!

Carlos is the owner of Central Organic Store, a modest bodega on the corner of Central and Melrose in Bushwick. Carlos and his family of six live in the same building as his bodega, which he's owned since 2018. They've got their personal and business life down to a science. And if you get to know them well enough, they might show you their secret door from their bodega to their apartment!

Recently, Carlos and his family have fallen upon hard times. Since our most recent wave of inflation, New York City rents are at an all-time high. And Carlos, like so many of us, has fallen victim to the rent increases. Carlos is currently fighting to keep his bodega. If he loses his battle in court with his landlord + management, he will lose both his store, home, and sacred spot in our community!

Last summer, a few of us Bushwick locals were filming an episode of our indie TV show and were in search of a bodega/deli to film in. We walked into Central Organic Store and asked Carlos if he'd let us film in his space, expecting him to say no. He said, "Of course. Name a place and time, and we'll make this store available to you and your crew."

This encapsulates Carlos. He's one of the kindest people you'll meet. He's always got a smile on his face and occasionally offers free bags of skittles with a purchase from his store. He also deeply cares about his community. Carlos runs several events in the backyard of his bodega - an exposed-wood shack that protects audience members from the elements. My favorite event - the Wednesday night comedy show, "Kevin & Kevin's Wacky Shack!". Every Wednesday, Carlos allows a group of 5 - 10 comedians to perform outrageously hilarious acts - entirely free of charge to everyone involved!

Carlos is a supporter of the arts. A kind, generous community leader. And a family man.

PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING WHATEVER YOU CAN to make life easier for Carlos and his family as they navigate their way through fierce legal disputes and landlord strife.

If Carlos has positively affected you in some way or extended his generosity towards you, now's the time to return the favor!