How to Help Puerto Rico from the outside
Like a lot of Puerto Ricans, I’m currently part of the diáspora; part of millions of Puerto Rican living outside the island due to different reasons that drove us to leave our Island (temporary or permanent)
As of tonight (9/19/17), Hurricane Maria will be moving across Puerto Rico as a category 5 hurricane. The destruction it will leave on its wake is unknown. It’s sad and frustrating not knowing how to help my people, my island, my country, during these hard times.
So, I’m gathering all the places we can donate money. Real organizations from Puerto Rico, to ensure that the money goes directly where it’s needed. I’ll be updating this list as soon as I can verify (to the best of my knowledge) the organizations where the donations are going.
If you wish to share one, feel free to submit the information (click here) to out page and we’ll verify (as best as we can). Whatever you can donate, even if it’s just $1, it would be greatly appreciate.
1. Maria & Irma: Puerto Rico Real-time Recovery Fund: managed by the non-profit ConPRmetidos.
All donations to this fund will exclusively support the victims of the catastrophic Hurricane María and Irma in Puerto Rico and provide relief and aid the communities affected by this disaster.
2. HURRICANE IRMA RELIEF FUND FOR PUERTO RICO, CUBA, AND FLORIDA: The funds will go directly to nonprofits working on the ground, such as Fundación Comunitaria de Puerto Rico.
3. Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief Fund - Puerto Ricans in Action: All funds will be withdrawn from the campaign on September 29, 2017, by our co-founder, Jorge Rivera, and donated to two nonprofits located in Puerto Rico working to rebuilding communities in Culebra and Loiza: ConPRmetidos is working to construction of long-enduring homes in Culebra that meet Safe Building Codes standards, and Iniciativa Comunitaria is working with community leaders in Loiza to identify immediate and long-term needs. They are also working with the United Way of Puerto Rico to give the in-kind donations we receive to the best community organization.
Other organizations that would greatly benefit from additional help:
1. San Francisco de Asis’ Animal Sanctuary, Inc: animal shelter in the southwest, currently a “budget covers our expenses for the next month. We have more than 300 dogs and cats under our care.” (GoFundMe)
These organizations are helping from afar as well. Check their websites for more information.
1. Puerto Ricans in Action: from Los Angeles, CA. Coalition of businesses and organizations in the greater Los Angeles Puerto Rican community coming together to offer support to family and friends.
Please share as much as you can. Thanks. Contact us with more information if you have. I’ll keep adding as we go along.
