Municipalities in the west continue to face the effects of Hurricane Fiona. In addition to severe flooding, 53% of the area currently has no electricity, while some sectors without drinking water are waiting for the electrical distribution network to come back online.
If you want to make a contribution or offer direct help to communities in the western part of the Island, here are several resources.
Donate and/or volunteer with community self-management initiatives
The damage caused by the hurricane has been felt across the Island, but there is an urgent need to distribute aid to rural areas that still lack basic electricity and water services. The following initiatives are working in the western zone:
1. Brigada Solidaria del Oeste: Supports the development of collective processes in communities and promotes community self-management. They have three support spaces for food, supplies, resources and workshops in San Germán. Learn about volunteer needs here.
2. Waves Ahead: A community center that offers advocacy and services for the LGBTTQ+ community ages 55 and older. They are accepting items and donations at their Centro de Todes, located in the Poblado Boquerón in Cabo Rojo. This center also offers assistance and mental health services. For any other donation you can visit their website or make a direct contribution here.
#PlateaTip: Your business may be eligible for financial assistance after hurricane damage
3. Proyecto Matria: An organization that works for human rights through equity initiatives. It also seeks to facilitate access to financial services for economic development and housing. With more than $10,000 in donations, Matria has managed to distribute supplies and provide services in Añasco, Yabucoa, Patillas, Orocovis, and other municipalities.
4. Fundación Sin Límites: A youth-led social development initiative that provides services in 11 municipalities, including Mayagüez and Cabo Rojo. They are accepting monetary donations or donations of items listed on their social media. You can contact them at sinlimites.nonprofit@gmail.com or by direct message through their accounts @sinlimites.pr (Instagram) FundaciónSinLimitesPR (Facebook).
Avoid donation fraud 🚨
During this time it is common for fraudulent calls or links to appear, posing as organizations or aid centers. If you receive a link or call and are not familiar with the organization or its work, look for more information or verify the resource with a family member or friend.
Many organizations and initiatives post their information on social media. You can verify that information or contact the support group directly.
Other resources to help your search
You can also visit the websites of organizations such as Para Servirle, an entity dedicated to promoting initiatives by nonprofit organizations in Puerto Rico. They have a database of more than 60 efforts for recovery following Hurricane Fiona.
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
