The Sawmill Initiative

Puerto Rico remains in an emergency mode almost three months after Hurricanes Irma & Maria destroyed our Island.  Here in our rural mountain top community of Las Piedras, we look to the future, to helping our neighbors rebuild and repair the roofs,  livestock pens, outbuildings, and fences that  were destroyed or heavily damaged.   This begs the question, "How can this be done with so few resources?"  One renewable resource in abundance everywhere is the multitude of fallen and damaged trees.  This prompted our idea for "The Sawmill Initiative" and its goal of raising $15,000 to purchase an engine powered portable saw mill. This will allow people to mill lumber from thousands of trees felled during the hurricanes. We believe we have up to two years to use the trees before they go bad. Participants will be able to use the lumber to repair their property at no cost. In addition to receiving lumber milled for their personal use, participants will agree to help mill extra lumber for repairs needed at homes of the elderly or families who don't have someone able to volunteer at the saw mill. We plan to procure the parts for maintenance through donations or grants, and will provide labor for maintenance at no cost. One of the most hurtful comments made after the hurricanes was that "Puerto Ricans need to quit expecting handouts and should be involved in their own recovery".  We've never witnessed a harder working, more capable, and caring group of people than those living in our community.  We've watched neighbors helping neighbors without concern of reciprocity or payment for their efforts.  We've seen our amazing Mayor Micky Lopez and volunteers work from morning to night, day after day, clearing roads, delivering bottled water, and  bringing aid to our community.  However, the need for more resources is crucial. We are still in major crisis mode and the likelihood of a longer-than-average recovery is most certain. People are out of work, but they are eager to work, and that is why we believe in the "The Sawmill Initiative." Please help us, if you can.