We did it

We’re incredibly proud we were able to lend our hand to the families whose lives were impacted by the 2017 hurricanes.

We did it!
– and so did you.

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 is commencing the long-term phase of its Habitat Hammers Back hurricane recovery initiative, 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 will be there for the families hit by Harvey, Irma and Maria.”

The Goal

Habitat has set an initial goal to help more than 2,000 families inTexas, and in Florida, and again Puerto Rico. In Texas and Florida, efforts will be focused on home repairs and new construction for storm-affected families over the next three to five years.

For Puerto Rico, Habitat is in the process of assembling 2,000 shelter repair kits for distribution on the island as the initial response phase. Habitat will continue assessing the situation in Puerto Rico as conditions allow and determine construction plans following the evaluations.

Families that wish to learn more about possible assistance 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 on November 7th through a partnership between Habitat for Humanity and Save the Children. The shelter repair kits help families make immediate repairs 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 has pledged to donate $250,000 and raise an additional $1.5 million for the recovery. The remaining 1,500 kits will be distributed in different cities on the island this month. Habitat Puerto Rico is building capacity and once the additional key staff is in place, long-term repairs are expected to start in early 2018.

The shelter repair kits contain 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 will be distributed in different cities on the island this month.

The shelter repair kits are the first phase of Habitat for Humanity’s Habitat Hammers Back hurricane recovery initiative in Puerto Rico. Habitat has pledged to assist more than 6,000 families in Puerto Rico, Texas, and Florida following the devastation of the hurricanes this year. Habitat for Humanity is developing a long-term recovery strategy in Puerto Rico as assessments are performed and conditions permit. More information on Habitat’s hurricane recovery program is available at habitat.org/hurricanes.

Save the Children is leading the distribution of the shelter repair kits in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. The distribution is one part of the international humanitarian organization’s work to help children and families impacted by the hurricanes in Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico. In all three locations, Save the Children is helping alleviate immediate needs, restore access to critical child care and education services, and help children overwhelmed by the emergencies to rebound and become more resilient. More information on Save the Children’s hurricane recovery programs is available at savethechildren.org.

Florida (Hurricane Irma)

In Collier County, repair work is underway with a goal of repairing 200 homes in the next six months. The Middle Keys Habitat for Humanity office plans started critical home repair work on November 11. Their goal is to complete repairs on 48 homes in the next six months and begin building two new homes on a vacant lot they own. Middle Keys is building capacity and is hiring a skilled construction manager, who will be critical to the success of their recovery work.

Texas (Hurricane Harvey)

The first round of support in Texas has been focused in Houston, Jefferson County (Beaumont), Fort Bend, Northwest Harris County, and Pasadena. The Houston concentration has been on the 176 Habitat for Humanity homes that suffered flood damage during the storm.

Habitat for Humanity is working on the rebuilding of these homes, with a goal to have all 176 families back in their homes before Christmas. They will also renovate five additional Habitat homes in in-fill lots before Christmas. Jefferson County (Beaumont) is working to restore 38 Habitat homes while working to develop their longer-term response and are also helping these families as they navigate the insurance claim process and FEMA grant application processes. Habitat is capacity building for longer-term recovery efforts.

We at Her Majesty’s Jewels 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.