The Puerto RICO Project

My name is Melissa Hernandez, and I am growing a campaign of advocacy and direct aid for victims of human trafficking from Puerto Rico, who are now part of a large group of homeless people in Chicago. I am a mother, student, full-time dental assistant, and a volunteer who brings food, clothing, friendship and other support to homeless people in Chicago. I am also a survivor of human trafficking, which for me led to drug addiction and criminalization. The fight to reclaim my own life, in solidarity with people who have experienced what I have, has made me a committed activist, and my vision is to build an organization, led by survivors of trafficking, addiction, and homelessness.


A little background and a simple request:


While feeding people who experience persistent homelessness, and getting to know them, I started collecting their stories. Nearly all have been victims of violence and abuse, and I quickly realized that there is a whole population of fellow Puerto Ricans who are victims of Human Trafficking, which was fully supported by Puerto Rico's government.


These beautiful people left their families and friends behind in Puerto Rico and were led to Chicago under lies. They were told that they would receive in-patient treatment in medical facilities for their heroin and other trauma and mental health related addictions. Instead they have experienced humiliation, absolutely no medical attention, their I.D.’s and other government documents were taken by those claiming to help them, (which are alleged to have been sold), and now homelessness.


Since I found out the truth, I have been working alongside State Senator William Delgado among other community leaders and organizations. I organized a press confere http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/33787-sent-to-us-for-drug-rehab-puerto-ricans-endure-humiliation-at-unregulated-centers ‌nce in order to share t
heir stories, (http://interactive.wbez.org/puertoricochicagopipeline/). I have become the "lead person" in this project. I have been lead by a broken heart and determination to help these individuals who did not have anyone in Chicago who loved and  supported them until now.


In addition to organizing donations, and using my growing network to find housing for these individuals, I have located  real treatment facilities for them. I have approximately 70 people whom I am advocating for, and right now work intensely with 2-3 at a a time. I receive anywhere from 3 to 5 new phone calls a day as the word is spreading that I am the go-to person. My goal is to build a “go-to” organization, so that we can support the many homeless victims of trafficking.


But, this project has taken a financial toll. As it has grown beyond bringing food and clothing to homeless people, I am in need of resources to sustain this critically important work, and to cover costs for those formerly homeless volunteers I am recruiting. I cannot continue to support this work with wages from my job, which also are the sole support for my two young sons. I also will never give up. Here’s how you can help right now, and know that every donation counts:


$5 Bus pass for a low-income survivor or formerly homeless volunteer to attend trainings and outreach events, assist with direct aid

$20 Transportation and laundry connected to collecting donations.

$50 Communication and Food: Phone, printing, and other outreach materials, or, an evening meal for homeless individuals

$100 pays for transportation for one week of picking up and driving homeless individuals to the out-patient treatment I have been able to arrange for them with the help of local leaders

$500 pays for transportation for one month of trips to treatment center, at the end of which can be life-changing for individuals.


Thank you for reading my story, please donate what you can, please share with others in your network who can donate, and reach out if there are other ways you are able to support this work.


Melissa Hernandez