Our beloved Puerto Rico has once again been ravaged by a hurricane. Although not as strong, it has certainly done damage as significant as Maria, leaving many without homes, and most without power.
There is one good thing about this time around – Puerto Rico is emblazoned in the hearts of many from around the world. Those who helped to rebuild following Maria saw the resilience, compassion for neighbors, and true pride of Boricuas. The kind hearts who would offer you a cup of coffee made over a fire because their homes were gone – they had so little and gave so much. The joyous spirits who would sing and dance in the streets of rising again form the rubble, their cry of selavanta echoing through the streets. This is Puerto Rico, this is why we help. These are a people proud of their heritage and determined to not give up. And so, they will build, they will rise up, selevanta, and we will do what we can to help.
As we assemble, and plan, we ask that you pray for us, as the island is a dangerous place after a hurricane. Mud slides, crumbling roads, mold, illness; all of these things will likely happen while we provide relief. We will need your support as well, whether that is to provide financial help, logistical help, transportation, supplies, or just sharing what we do. Thank you believing in us.
Humanitarian Aid
Humanitarian aid is not a one size fits all. When providing aid we must identify the primary need that needs to be met, that is not being met by others, or cannot fully be met by others. The needs of the people change, and so we must too, sometimes changing what we can do to help on a daily basis. We will always seek to meet these need in the best most expedient manner possible.
Puerto Rico’s needs have been very fluid. The first and second week involved assisting in search and rescue efforts, as the hurricane supplies that the people had dwindled, the need for clean water became apparent. Although bottled water was the first means provided, it became apparent that a long term method was needed. Bottled water was difficult to find, heavy to carry, and expensive following hurricane Maria. It was at this point that I made the trip to the island with Sawyer filters, although not nearly enough to even make a dent. Water filtration is still a necessity for many people in outlying areas, or areas cut off from stores by the destruction of roadways.
We also join efforts with other humanitarian groups in providing water, food, medical assistance, animal welfare, and rebuilding/cleanup. Aid will be a necessity for Puerto Rico for many years, we will strive to assist however we can.
Water
Clean water has become gold, almost a new currency. To think about water as not drinkable seems strange. This basic need fueled the desire of Coqui Nation to provide aid to Puerto Rico in the way of water filtration, specifically, Sawyer filters. Sawyer filters are highly regarded as one of the best, most tested in the business. We have given, free of charge, filters to the people of Puerto Rico. Our need for more filters is great; there are many small towns that are still without clean drinkable water. There are communities within large cities that also need clean water.
News and Updates
Free Insulin
Bayamón Health Clinic (787) 995-1900
Calle Manuel F. Rossy Esq. Isabel II
Bayamón, PR 00960
Next trip coming up this month!
January