Monthly Program Update - Puerto Rico (February 2020)

PUERTO RICO HURRICANE RECOVERY UPDATE FEBRUARY 2020

TOTAL PROGRAM IMPACT

7,825

LIVES IMPACTED

3,363

VOLUNTEERS

38,563

VOLUNTEER DAYS

1,642

JOBS COMPLETED

Current Activities In late December, the worst earthquake in more than a century rattled the Southern region of Puerto Rico and triggered an islandwide blackout.

Since then, more than 1,200 earthquakes have shaken the island and persistent aftershocks continue to alarm the residents. Our Disaster Assessment Response Team (DART) conducted a thorough assessment of earthquake damage island-wide to determine the greatest needs within each community. The team concluded that distribution of resources (food, water, medical supplies), shelter, and mental health support are the primary needs.

We have partnered with World Central Kitchen to provide meals to affected communities. Additionally, we supported Brigada de Todxs, a local grassroots organization, in constructing cots to those living in the unofficial camps. Click here to learn more about earthquake response efforts.

Community Stories The stories and photos of people in Yabucoa whose lives were turned upside down by Hurricane Maria have been both heartbreaking and inspiring. Heartbreaking because of how much they lost; but inspiring because of how much courage and resilience they have shown in the years since Hurricane Maria. Julio’s family is one of many who have inspired our team. Julio and his family have lived in their home for over 30 years. Together they raised their two children; their son, Francisco, has a disability and lives with them. Julio’s wife is critically ill, and Francisco needs consistent care, so Julio left his profession to take care of his family.

Hurricane Maria ripped his roof apart, causing severe leaks, and resulting in mold covering ninety percent of his home. Julio lives to protect his family, and our team of volunteers were eager to support. Together, we repaired Julio’s roof and sanitized the interior of his family home.

Learn about our programs at

allhandsandhearts.org

Disaster Profile On September 20th, 2017 Hurricane Maria’s 155 mph winds plowed through the island of Puerto Rico, resulting in one of the worst natural disasters in the island’s history. Hurricane Maria first made landfall over the municipality of Yabucoa, affecting the 37,000 residents who call it home. This area bore the strongest brunt of the storm, where hundreds of homes are still today in need of basic roof repairs and where we continue to focus our efforts.

Our Work Thanks to critical support from partners like Medtronic, The Giustra Foundation, and PRxPR, as well as other donors, the local community, and volunteers from around the world, we have run an impactful program since January 2018. Our work in Yabucoa includes mucking and gutting, mold sanitation, roof repair and critical home repairs. We are also focusing on community spaces in need of clean up/repair and will be alongside the community on the long road to recovery.

About All Hands and Hearts We effectively and efficiently address the immediate and long-term needs of communities impacted by natural disasters. We communicate directly with local leaders and community members and then deploy our unique model of engaging volunteers to enable direct impact, helping to build safer, more resilient schools, homes and infrastructure.

We have earned a 4-star rating by Charity Navigator six years in a row and a Perfect 100. Less than one percent of rated nonprofits have received this distinction for financial and operational efficiency.

Our Partners in Puerto Rico

info@allhandsandhearts.org (508) 758-8211