Create 2 Resiliency Centers in Cano Martin Pena

The community leaders, who are volunteers and residents of the Caño Martín Peña communities, carry out exhausting and strenuous work. During 365 days a year, they fight for the right to housing, health and permanence of the communities. Therefore, it is necessary that at certain times of the year they stop to reflect, rest and recharge their energy to continue the community fight. One Resiliency Center was the place that hosted the fraternization and community integration activity. The leaders were able to share with their peers while listening to music and painting under the guidance of a painting teacher. It was wonderful to see how the leaders painted a picture that represents the communities. It is important for the G-8 to have a safe place where leaders and residents can meet to carry out activities according to their interests. In addition to serving as a community kitchen, the Resiliency Centers are places that promote community integration and are an important component in the well-being of communities.

On the other hand, the centers have continued to be active with activities such as health fairs. We have also welcomed volunteers to embellishment the area by painting the walls and promoting a sense of belonging. Also, the students of the educational project continue to receive educational support, art, dance and music classes.

Thanks to the Resiliency Centers we have more resilient communities,we are in a better position to respond to an emergency and we have a place for residents to meet and stay active. The world is changing rapidly and vulnerable communities like those in Caño must have the tools and resources for self-sufficiency. With your support, and through partnerships with volunteers and other allies, we can improve the project.

Last September, Puerto Rico was hit by Hurricane Fiona, which caused disasters in many parts of the archipelago. It was all expectation and fear to be affected by another hurricane and relive the same traumas. Even more so, having a fragile electrical system. As expected, the hurricane caused us to be without power for days. However, thanks to the Resiliency Centers, the response to this emergency was different from Hurricane Maria. When we saw the announcement of the hurricane's impact, we set up the kitchens with the utensils and equipment we needed to operate and implemented the emergency plan. As soon as the hurricane passed, we received calls from allies who provided us with food for cooking. We called for volunteers to cook and distribute hot food. We managed to deliver 800 plates of hot food during the 4 days until power was restored. In addition, residents visited the space to charge their electronic equipment. These are communities with a high population of elderly people and when we delivered the hot meals, many told us that it was their first meal of the day. The resiliency centers were a great help to these people.

Thanks to the Resiliency Centers we have more resilient communities and we are in a better position to respond to an emergency. The world is changing rapidly and vulnerable communities like those in Caño must have the tools and resources for self-sufficiency. However, for the Community Kitchens to be complete we need a potable water system. We are close to reaching the goal, but with your support, and through partnerships with volunteers and other allies, we can improve the project.

Links:

• News article about hurricane Fiona
• News article about Puerto Rico electrical system.