Puerto Rico

Disaster Date: 09/20/2017

Project Status: Reopening Soon

Project Needs: Clean up work with small groups of volunteers, and repairing roofs

What Happened:

On September 20, 2017, Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico as a high-end Category 4 storm. Many residents spent months without power or running water. Over 59,469 Blue tarps were place on damaged home. As of early 2019 there are still 33,766 roofs in need for repairs.

What MDS Is Doing:

MDS began early 2018 in clean-up work with small groups of volunteers, and repairing roofs.

MDS is responding Ponce in connection with Mennonite Churches in Puerto Rico.

MDS accommodations may include guest houses or rented homes. Running water and electricity have mostly been restored in Puerto Rico. In some areas limited internet and cell phone service may exist.

Read recent weekly reports here and scroll down to view photos from the project.

Mennonite Central Committee is collaborating with MDS in this response.