Dear Friends: This summer, I will be traveling to Puerto Rico with a group of former students and other people who are eager to create change and be of service in the world. This small group of volunteers will be working with local families outside of San Juan, Puerto Rico. In September of 2017, Puerto Rico was hit by Hurricane Irma followed by Hurricane Maria. Either one of those hurricanes was enough to cause significant damage, but paired together they devastated the island. Our initial focus is going to be repairing and rebuilding damaged homes on the southeast corner of the island where the storm slammed ashore. It is a rural area far from the capital where many families are living with blue tarps as roofs and are being affected by unsanitary and unsafe living conditions because of the damage to their homes. FEMA predicts it will still be months before electricity is restored, and this area will probably be among the last. What I learned through these trips is that having a roof of one's own, a safe place that a family can raise kids, invite parents to live out their elder years, creates a positive quality of life that has an unparalleled effect on future generations to come. This is where volunteers come in. Not only do we fund raise for building supplies, but we help by working alongside the families during the building process. This aids in offsetting the cost of the home, keeping their no interest mortgage at an affordable payment and bridging communities. Won't you join me in creating a global community where today kids are given a chance at a more stable life? Please consider making a tax deductible donation. It is easy and safe - simply click the "Donate Now" button in the upper right hand corner or at the bottom of this page... and make sure to bookmark this page and come back often to check on my progress!
