Monthly Program Update - Puerto Rico (November 2019)

PUERTO RICO HURRICANE RECOVERY UPDATE NOVEMBER 2019

TOTAL PROGRAM IMPACT

7,888

LIVES IMPACTED

3,038

VOLUNTEERS

35,038

VOLUNTEER DAYS

1,549

JOBS COMPLETED

Current Activities We continue to provide recovery assistance to homeowners in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico; addressing the immediate and unmet needs of homeowners still struggling to recover. It’s been over two years since Hurricane Maria and our recovery efforts are still going strong as we continue repairing concrete roofs, carrying out critical repairs and sanitizing homes. We prioritize the most vulnerable populations (the elderly, disabled, children, low income, etc.) currently living in their homes, and our volunteers work hard to provide a safe, sanitary and comfortable home.

Thanks to critical support from partners, donors, local community, and volunteers from around the world we’ve been able to complete over 500 sites in Yabucoa. The people of Puerto Rico still need our support and we are determined to continue helping communities build back stronger than ever.

Community Stories Eddie has lived in his home in Yabucoa for over 50 years, working for the Municipality of Yabucoa and coaching the local children. He first moved into his home when he was 4 years old and it has now become a home to three generations: his mother, husband, children, and nieces. Hurricane Maria destroyed his roof causing significant leaks, mold, and raising health concerns. Eddie was forced to move his mother to an elderly home where her health is not at risk. He was determined to bring his mother back home and fix the space to suit her needs. However he was met with high costs for materials and cement, which prevented him from completing his project.

All Hands and Hearts volunteers worked hard to repair and seal Eddie’s home, freeing the building of leaks. In addition, a full sanitization process was carried out to ensure a mold free home for Eddie’s mother to return to.

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 and The Giustra Foundation, donors, 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 non-profits have received this distinction for financial and operational efficiency.

Pictured at right: (Top) Volunteers pressure wash a roof to prepare for re-sealing (Middle) Mendez field bleachers after being repaired and painted.(Bottom Left) Celebrating world Humanitarian Day on site,

Our Partners in Puerto Rico

info@allhandsandhearts.org (508) 758-8211