We Did It — And So Did You
We’re incredibly proud to have lent a hand to the families whose lives were impacted by the 2017 hurricanes. And we did it with your help!
Our financial donation to Habitat for Humanity will add to the much-needed acts of kindness and generosity expressed from around the globe.
Habitat for Humanity began the long-term phase of its Habitat Hammers Back hurricane recovery initiative by pledging to help more than 6,000 families across regions impacted by hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria.
Just as they were there after Katrina, Sandy, Haiti, and so many other disasters, Habitat for Humanity was there for the families hit by Harvey, Irma, and Maria.”
The Mission Was The Goal And We Did It
Habitat set an initial goal to help more than 2,000 families in Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico. In Texas and Florida, efforts were focused on home repairs and new construction for storm-affected families over the next three to five years.
For Puerto Rico, Habitat assembled 2,000 shelter repair kits for distribution during the initial response phase. Habitat continued assessing the situation in Puerto Rico as conditions progressed and determined construction plans following the evaluations.
Families that wish to learn more about possible assistance to the organization can call 1-800-HABITAT. More information about Habitat’s hurricane response work is available at habitat.org/hurricanes.
Puerto Rico (Hurricane Maria)
The first 500 shelter repair kits were distributed in Caguas, Puerto Rico, through a partnership between Habitat for Humanity and Save the Children.
Shelter repair helped families make immediate reinforcement to their damaged homes following Hurricane Maria. Puerto Rico native, rapper, producer, and “Despacito” singer Daddy Yankee joined volunteers to distribute shelter repair kits to families as part of his commitment to helping rebuild. He pledged to donate $250,000 and raise an additional $1.5 million for the recovery.
The shelter repair kits contained the tools and supplies necessary to perform critical home repairs in Puerto Rico, including large tarps for temporary roof repairs, hammers, flashlights, and ropes. The remaining kits were distributed in different cities on the island this month.
An additional 500 kits were distributed in different cities on the island. Habitat Puerto Rico focused on building capacity, and once the additional key staff were placed, long-term repairs were expected to start in early 2018.
The kits were the first phase of Habitat for Humanity’s Habitat Hammers Back hurricane recovery initiative in Puerto Rico. Habitat pledged to assist more than 6,000 families in Puerto Rico, Texas, and Florida following the devastation of the hurricanes.
Habitat for Humanity developed a long-term recovery strategy in Puerto Rico as assessments were performed. More information on Habitat’s hurricane recovery program is available at habitat.org/hurricanes.
Save the Children lead the distribution of the shelter repair kits in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, as part of the international humanitarian organization’s work to help children and families affected by hurricanes in Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico. In all three locations, Save the Children helped meet immediate needs, restore access to critical child care and education services, and attended to children overwhelmed by the emergencies.
More information on Save the Children’s hurricane recovery programs is available at savethechildren.org.
Florida (Hurricane Irma)
In Collier County, repair work began with a goal of repairing 200 homes in the next six months. The Middle Keys Habitat for Humanity office started critical home repair work on November 11. Their goal to complete repairs on 48 homes was forecast for the next six months and began with building two new homes on a vacant lot they own. Middle Keys was tasked with building capacity by hiring a skilled construction manager, a critical role in the success of their recovery work.
Texas (Hurricane Harvey)
The first round of support in Texas was focused on Houston, Jefferson County (Beaumont), Fort Bend, Northwest Harris County, and Pasadena. The Houston concentration was on the 176 Habitat for Humanity homes, which suffered flood damage during the storm.
Habitat for Humanity dedicated itself to rebuilding these homes, with the goal of having all 176 families back in their homes before Christmas. They also renovated five additional Habitat homes in infill lots. Jefferson County (Beaumont) worked to restore 38 Habitat homes while developing a longer-term response to help families navigate the insurance claim and FEMA grant application processes. Habitat is capacity building for longer-term recovery efforts.
We at HerMJ are overjoyed to have had the opportunity to contribute to such a marvelous demonstration of community and the human spirit. To everyone who heard our call and spread the word,
We Thank You.
