Here's How to Support Puerto Rico as It Recovers From Devastating Hurricane Maria

By Remezcla

26 September 17

ategory 4 hurricane made landfall in Puerto Rico on Wednesday. With winds of about 155 mph (nearly strong enough to be considered a Category 5), Hurricane Maria tore through the island before weakening to a Category 2 storm. (However, Hurricane Maria strengthened to a Category 3 storm as it made its way to the Dominican Republic.) The natural disaster brought torrential rain and flooding and knocked out power to the entire island.

Like many countries in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico was still recovering from the effects of Hurricane Irma, which hit the island about two weeks ago. Immediately after, Puerto Rico began delivering supplies to countries in need. It also welcomed thousands of refugees, whose homes were destroyed by Irma, from the US Virgin Islands. On September 13, about 2,000 from St. Martin and the Virgin Islands made their way to Puerto Rico, according to Reuters.

With the island expected to go without power for months, Puerto Rico now needs our help. The US territory is in the midst of a financial crisis and already struggling in many ways. It’s predicted this storm will have long lasting effects. “Puerto Rico isn’t going to be the same,” lawyer Migdalia Caratini told the Los Angeles Times. “It’s going to be before Maria and after Maria.”

The road to recovery will be long, and we need to stand by Puerto Rico during these trying times. Here are some places you can donate money and time to.

1. ConPRmetidos
   
   ConPRmetidos is a nonprofit organization committed to the people of Puerto Rico. The group will use the money it raises to help those affected by both Hurricane Maria and Irma. “We anticipate the funds will be used first for immediate needs of food, shelter, and water and then transition to long-term recovery efforts.”
   
   Donate here.


2. Puerto Rican Leadership Council
   
   On Friday, September 22, the Puerto Rican Leadership Council in Miami will collect supplies, including bottled water, nonperishable food, diapers, and clothing, according to the Miami Herald.
   
   Stop by Friday at one of these locations:
   
   
   • Mana Wynwood at 2217 N.W. Fifth Ave., Miami, Florida 3312
   
   
   • Isla Del Encanto Restaurant at 12850 S.W. 120th St., Miami, Florida 33186
   
   
   • Ana G. Méndez University at 15201 N.W. 79th Court, Miami Lakes, Florida 33016
   
   Contact Luis De Rosa at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.


3. Puerto Rican Leadership Council
   
   On September 22, Washington DC Puerto Ricans will raise funds and collect supplies for the United for Puerto Rico fund.
   
   Learn more here.


4. Caritas Puerto Rico
   
   Launched in 1969, Caritas helps those most in need. Sign up to become a volunteer here.


5. Emergency Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief Fundraiser
   
   The Puerto Rican Agenda and Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center are hosting a benefit event on Friday, September 22. There is a $25 entry donation, but the organizations are also accepting money through checks and PayPal.
   
   Learn more here.


6. New York Drop Off Locations
   
   In New York, there are several places collecting supplies.
   
   
   • Casabe Senior Houses, 150 E. 121 St., Manhattan, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
   
   
   • El Maestro, Inc., 1300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
   Also, firehouses across all five boroughs are accepting donations.
   
   Manhattan
   
   
   • Engine 28/ Ladder 11: 242 E. 111th Street, New York, NY 11220 (East Harlem)
   
   
   • Engine 95/ Ladder 36: 29 Vermilyea Avenue, New York, NY 10033 (Inwood)
   
   
   • Engine 28/ Ladder 11: 222 E. 2nd Street, New York, NY 10009 (Lower East Side)
   
   Bronx
   
   
   • EMS Station 26: 1264 Boston Road, Bronx NY 10456 (Morrisania)
   
   
   • EMS Station 55: 3134 Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10451 (Melrose)
   
   
   • Engine 64/ Ladder 47: 1214 Castle Hill Avenue, Bronx, NY 10462 (Castle Hill)
   
   
   • Engine 83/ Ladder 29: 618 E. 138th Street, Bronx, NY 10454 (Mott Haven/South Bronx)
   
   Queens
   
   
   • Engine 316: 27-12 Kearney Street, Queens, NY 11369 (East Elmhurst)
   
   
   • Engine 289/ Ladder 138: 97-28 43rd Avenue, Queens, NY 11368 (Corona)
   
   
   • Engine 307/ Ladder 154: 81-17 Northern Boulevard, Queens, NY 11372 (Jackson Heights)
   
   Brooklyn
   
   
   • Engine 271/ Ladder 124: 392 Himrod Street, Brooklyn, NY 11237 (Bushwick)
   
   
   • Engine 277/ Ladder 112: 582 Knickerbocker Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11221 (Bushwick)
   
   
   • Engine 201/ Ladder 114: 5113 4th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11220 ( Sunset Park)
   
   
   • Engine 228: 436 39th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11232 (Sunset Park)
   
   
   • Engine 218: 650 Hart Street, Brooklyn, NY 11221 (Bushwick)
   
   Staten Island
   
   
   • Engine 153/ Ladder 77: 74 Broad Street, Staten Island, NY 10304 (Stapleton)
   
   
   • Engine 157/ Ladder 80: 1573 Castleton Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10302 (Port Richmond)
   
   
   • Ladder 79: 1189 Castleton Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10310 (Port Richmond)


7. Hurricane Maria Children's Relief Fund
   
   Save the Children offers emergency assistance to children and families.
   
   Donate here.


8. Maria Fund
   
   This fun, run by the Center for Popular Democracy, is raising money for local, grassroots organizations. “One hundred percent of monies raised will be used to support immediate relief, recovery, and equitable rebuilding in Puerto Rico for the communities hit hardest by the storm,” the site reads. Donate here.


9. Blood Drive for Hurricane Victims
   
   Coordinadora de Apoyo, Solidaridad y Ayuda (CASA) is hosting a blood drive in Orlando on September 23 and 24. Learn more here.


10. Paz Para La Mujer
    
    Paz Para La Mujer is taking both donations and supplies. Learn more here.


11. Carmelo Anthony Puerto Rico Relief Fund
    
    In a Player’s Tribune piece, Carmelo Anthony announced that he began a YouCaring page to raise $1 million. “Puerto Rico is very near and dear to my heart,” Anthony wrote. “Through my foundation, I have been actively working to bring hope and improve the lives of under-served communities on the island. Hurricane Maria has caused catastrophic damage in Puerto Rico and the residents will need our help and support to rebuild. Please join me in raising the necessary funds to get the much-needed supplies and assistance to the people of Puerto Rico. Your generous donations are tax deductible and greatly appreciated.”
    
    Donate here.


12. Save a Sato
    
    As we work to help the victims of Hurricane Maria, we can’t forget about animals as well. Save a Sato needs food for animals. Send packages to Parcelas Falu #459 C, Call 35, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00924.


13. Dogma Bakery
    
    
    Those in the DMV area can donate items to Dogma Bakery, a gourmet dog bakery and boutique. The bakery is making a trip to Puerto Rico on Saturday. It’s collecting items for dogs but also cleaning supplies.



14. Voices for Puerto Rico
    
    Gina Rodriguez, Benicio del Toro, Rosie Perez, Luis Guzmán, and more are using their celebrity to draw attention to what’s happening in Puerto Rico. They have joined forces to launch Voices for Puerto Rico, an initiative to raise money for Puerto Ricans affected by Hurricane Maria. The proceeds will go to several organizations, including Niños Nueva Esperanza, Taller Salud, Casa Pueblo, and other brigades.
    
    Donate here.