Our Parents’ Lost Everything

As many as you know, on September 20th Puerto Rico was hit by category 4 (almost CAT 5) Hurricane Maria. Hurricane Maria delivered a destructive blow, with 155 mph winds at landfall. Days after the storm, I was contacted and told that my Dad was ok but that the storm was so powerful that it completely destroyed my parents’ home in Hatillo, PR. Everything was lost. As of today, I have yet to speak directly with my Dad who is 72, and in Puerto Rico. This has been an excruciating 12 days, knowing that he is unable to communicate with myself, my brothers, or Mom. The heartbreak of knowing they lost everything is immeasurable, however we are thankful to God that he is physically ok. Thank you to everyone who has expressed their concern for my Dad, and for all of your prayers. My parents’ home/belongings were not insured. All money raised via this GoFundMe Campaign will go to the rebuilding efforts of my parents home and to help cover the costs of getting my dad, Jose Lopez, the bare necessities since they lost everything. I, Yoaly Lopez from New Haven, CT, Jose Lopez’s daughter, will be purchasing with the money raised any items that my Dad needs and sending them to PR since it is so hard for him to get to the stores and then wait in line for hours. This includes items from Home Depot since the stores near his town are so low on inventory and whatever basics my dad needs. I sent him the first package last week, and will wait and see if in fact it arrives and when it arrives since the USPS isn’t fully operational. Once I have the money from this campaign and it is withdrawn, I will be sending my father whatever he may need, and any remaining money will be given to my parents: Jose Lopez & Eva L Velazquez Mendez via money order, or bank transfer. My address is 200 Fountain St, New Haven, CT 06515. My parents’ mailing address is: Jose A Lopez, HC 7, Box 32940, Barrio Aibonito, Hatillo, PR 00659 for anyone that would like to send a package. Thank you to everyone who has donated and/ or shared this campaign. -Yoaly Maria Lopez ❤️ It is going to be a long process to get things back to the way they once were, but I am hopeful that you can help in anyway you can. I am asking for your help with donations, no amount is too small, the money collected will go directly towards helping my parents rebuild and help with getting the basic necessities to my Dad who is still in Puerto Rico. xoxo -Yoaly #PrayingForPuertoRico #HurricaneMaria