Home rebuild - post Hurricane Maria
Donation protected
I grew up in the town of Isabela, Puerto Rico. Through the 23 years I lived there, I experienced my fair share of hurricanes, but thankfully my immediate family and our home was never significantly affected. That drastically changed on September 20, 2017 when Hurricane Maria hit the island of Puerto Rico. Our family was thankfully all safe, but unfortunately my parent's home was extremely damaged. My father, one brother, and other family members were in Isabela. It took us 2 days to hear anything about them, probably the longest 2 days of my life thus far. I'm sure most of you remember the media aftermath of Maria and the lackluster initial response from the US government around aid/relief efforts. However, the lack of communication and amenities actually brought people together and showed the resilient spirit of the Puerto Rican people.
Growing up, some friends and family members came and lived with us for periods of time when they were having issues. If there was someone who was in need of something, my parents would find a way to help. I used to think and actually asked them on one occasion, why are you doing this? "Because they need it, who would we be if we didn't help them? If it's in my power to help someone, I will help them." These are the kind of people my parents are, if they can help (and even when they couldn't) then they will help. They are always willing to help others and put others first and never ask for help in return.
My parents were lucky that they were able to get some government assistance to rebuild but the process has been a long one and the funds have not been enough. We’re at the one year “anniversary” of the storm and their home is not yet finalized. Purchasing new materials proved to be a larger financial drain than previously thought, as building material costs have been much higher than before the storm. We’re at 6 months after the demo/rebuild began and out of resources. There are still labor costs to cover, some additional building materials, and all appliances and beds/mattresses left to purchase. Whatever amount we can raise will help lift the burden of additional financial strain on my parents and help them get back into their own space soon. Any amount you can contribute would be appreciated. If we’re fortunate enough to exceed our goal, we will donate the excess to local charities that support other families still dealing with the aftermath of the storm.
Thank you from our family!
Josue
Growing up, some friends and family members came and lived with us for periods of time when they were having issues. If there was someone who was in need of something, my parents would find a way to help. I used to think and actually asked them on one occasion, why are you doing this? "Because they need it, who would we be if we didn't help them? If it's in my power to help someone, I will help them." These are the kind of people my parents are, if they can help (and even when they couldn't) then they will help. They are always willing to help others and put others first and never ask for help in return.
My parents were lucky that they were able to get some government assistance to rebuild but the process has been a long one and the funds have not been enough. We’re at the one year “anniversary” of the storm and their home is not yet finalized. Purchasing new materials proved to be a larger financial drain than previously thought, as building material costs have been much higher than before the storm. We’re at 6 months after the demo/rebuild began and out of resources. There are still labor costs to cover, some additional building materials, and all appliances and beds/mattresses left to purchase. Whatever amount we can raise will help lift the burden of additional financial strain on my parents and help them get back into their own space soon. Any amount you can contribute would be appreciated. If we’re fortunate enough to exceed our goal, we will donate the excess to local charities that support other families still dealing with the aftermath of the storm.
Thank you from our family!
Josue
Fundraising team (3)
Josue Juarbe Lopez
Organizer
Isabela, PR
Maria Juarbe
Team member
Osvaldo Juarbe
Team member
