Hurricane Maria’s devastating impact on Puerto Rico is still unfolding, but one thing is certain—the island's most vulnerable communities have been pummeled the hardest and face the longest road to recovery. That’s why your Executive Board voted to contribute $1,000 to support frontline Puerto Rican communities in the recovery from Hurricane Maria.

Vulnerable communities often face the worst destruction and slowest recovery and have fewer resources to safeguard homes, vehicles, and other property.  When the winds die down and the floods recede, these communities are often forgotten.

We encourage you to support the Hurricane Maria Community Relief & Recovery Fund, housed at the Center for Popular Democracy (CPD). 100 percent of monies raised will be used to support immediate relief or long-term equitable rebuilding in Puerto Rico for the communities hit hardest by the storm.

Grassroots organizations have determined that, aside from initial emergency funding, grants from the María Fund will be decided by a committee made up entirely of Puerto Ricans, 50% from the island and 50% in the diaspora.  The committee will be chaired by Iris Morales, an activist, educator, and author with extensive experience in strategic grantmaking to low-income communities and grassroots initiatives.

In addition to delivering critically needed supplies to the island, the Maria Fund has already made grants to local organizations that are both providing immediate relief needs and laying the foundation for an equitable rebuilding.  These include Taller Salud in Loíza, the G8 of Caño Martín Peña in San Juan, and Centro para Desarrollo Político, Educativo, y Cultural in Caguas.

Please donate today—an injury to one is an injury to all!