I happened to be in Puerto Rico when two earthquakes struck last month. It was scary. We felt those two, but they didn’t do much damage. It was sad to see that, after my husband Angel and I departed the island, even more — and stronger — earthquakes happened, and those did indeed cause damage, destroying property, killing at least one person and leaving many without homes. The beautiful island of Puerto Rico suffered enough during Hurricane Maria in 2017. And now it must face the effects of this series of earthquakes. How can we help?
Well, there are several ways you can help the people of Puerto Rico as they recover from this disaster.
• Together Puerto Rico is an organization that accepts donations to support their efforts to deliver water filters and solar lights to residents. Just as importantly, they maintain a listing of even more organizations that are working on the island — including grassroots organizations, large NGOs and home rebuilding efforts — so you can review the list and choose where you’d most like to make a difference.
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PUERTO RICO TRAVEL TIPS: $95 Airbnb Apartment in Boqueron: Here’s What You Get for the $$$
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• All Hands and Hearts, a nonprofit organization that provides disaster relief in multiple destinations around the world, provides opportunities for individuals to donate funds and/or volunteer in the group’s work. The organization is still working on hurricane relief, in fact, with volunteers helping to rebuild communities that suffered from Maria. And now, they’re assessing the damage from the earthquakes to determine the best steps to pitch in to the recovery efforts. The Puerto Rico volunteer program is based in Yabucoa, in the southeastern region of the island. You can also donate to the program (be sure to indicate that you wish your donations to go to the Puerto Rico program).
• Direct Relief is a nonprofit organization that has offered support to healthcare providers across the island, in partnership with a variety of other organizations and governmental bodies. It’s organizing medical teams to offer services to residents, including those who now live in shelters after losing their homes. They’ve sent essential medial items to the island as well. Direct Relief accepts donations, and you can also explore volunteer activities.
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HOTEL REVIEW: Sandy Beach Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico
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• One more way that you can help Puerto Rico: Visit the island! Now is not the time to forever banish all thoughts of a Puerto Rico vacation. Now is the time to be researching and planning a trip. A recent report by my friend Gay Nagle Myers in Travel Weekly noted that the Puerto Rico tourism infrastructure is open for business You should always research any destination thoroughly before making travel plans, of course, but there’s no reason for you to delay in thinking about your summer and fall travel plans.
Nearly all hotels in Puerto Rico are fully up and running — and many are even better than ever, thanks to extensive renovations and redesign following Hurricane Maria. During our most recent visit to the island, we enjoyed time with my in-laws and also exploring the many things to do and see in Ponce, Boquerón and the San Juan metropolitan area.
When you visit Puerto Rico, you’re supporting the local economy and businesses large and small. You’re supporting job growth. Puerto Rico needs donations and volunteers, of course, but it also needs tourism dollars. So be sure to consider the beautiful isla del encanto when it’s time to start planning another vacation. I’m here to help with recommendations when you need them!