Hurricane Relief for Cabo Rojo, PR

We've all seen gripping images of the devastation hurricane Maria left in Puerto Rico.  Many were left destitute and are struggling to survive.  Getting water and food is a daily worry for most.  There is no safe drinking water nor power on much of the island, since the hurricane hit on Sept 20, 2017. The death toll has been increasing even as rescue efforts are underway, trying to reach people before it’s too late.  And all lucky survivors are left with a challenge that appears insurmountable: putting Puerto Rico back together and ensuring their long-term livelihood.   No one person can envision being able to help the whole island but every one of us could help somebody and make a difference for at least some of the 3.5 million people affected by this terrible disaster.  All of the island’s 78 municipalities were hit, some harder than others, but the impact to each and every town is substantial.  This GoFundMe is an initiative to help people in my hometown of Cabo Rojo, located in the southwestern corner of the island and home to over 50,000 people (www.caborojopr.net).

Away from the hustle and bustle of the San Juan metro area, Cabo Rojo has long been a favorite destination for local tourism with its great seafood and many breathtaking beaches, one of them among the world’s top 20 most beautiful beaches (take a virtual tour yourself by clicking here http://youtu.be/nVinfvVt1yA). Legend says that Cabo Rojo, which means Red Cape, was named by Christopher Columbus after the red colored cliffs in its southernmost point where its famous lighthouse ‘El Faro de los Morrillos’ is located. Hurricane damages to the town are estimated at $276 Million.  Almost 2000 homes lost their roofs and many waterfront homes and local businesses were swallowed by the ocean or sustained irreparable damage.  The areas of Joyuda and Puerto Real, Cabo Rojo’s top seafood gastronomic destination and fishing village, respectively, were hit particularly hard. Having grown up in this beautiful haven where many of my family members and friends live today, seeing the hurricane’s impact is not just emotionally devastating, but a very personal call to action. 

Will you help me help my people?  By donating to this fund, you can be a part of Cabo Rojo’s recovery, fueling life into a community that greatly needs help to rebuild.  I am personally working with locals to ensure that funds are channeled to the most needed. If you or a friend are from Cabo Rojo and have been wondering how you can help, you’ve come to the right place! My goal is to collect $10,000 by mid-December, to reach people by Christmas and give them not only help but hope. 

 On behalf of all people from Cabo Rojo, I express my deepest gratitude for any donation you can make to this cause.  Every prayer and every dollar counts.  There is a ton of work ahead but I have a lot of hope in the resilient character of my people. The generosity of those of us who are blessed with so much will go a long way into showing them that we care and are willing to reach out.  Together we can make a difference in bringing hope and life to people who need us.  May you be blessed abundantly for caring!