Clean Water Puerto Rico Project #50534

Rapid Disaster Relief

by Filters for Families

Summary

Since 2015 Filters for Families has engaged in relief projects in Nepal, Puerto Rico, Peru, and Malawi. As disasters increase in our Project areas there is a need for rapid deployment of urgent items. We need to stock filter units, washable sanitation pads and baby diapers, formula, whistles, solar lights, hygiene & first aid items, and other materials. The two week window following a disaster is critical, especially for vulnerable populations without reserves.

$3,000
total goal

$1,930
remaining

3
donors

0
monthly donors

2
years

Challenge

Natural disasters are increasing around the world especially in our field areas: Puerto Rico and Nepal. These communties are often vulnerable due to poverty, old age, children, sickness and peoples lack of transportation. The first 2 weeks of a disaster render these communities extremely susteptible to disease, hunger, lack of shelter and isolated. Utilities are down, limiting communication and roads blocked by debris make supply transport and emergency help difficult.

Solution

Storing non-perisable supplies in field areas allows rapid access to urgent life saving amenities (clean water, solar recharg, dry food, first aid, tarps). After the 2015 Nepal earthquake the field office sent buckets to Kathmandu where inside units were attached and distributed to > 23 NGOs, research groups, refugee camps and community centers. In Hurricane Maria, the local fisher community in Guaynilla, PR received filters & 2020 PR earthquake we distributed filters, solar lights & recharge

Long-Term Impact

These filters can last 8 years if maintained, providing safe water through several natural disasters & no plastic waste. Solar lights and recharge units are also reusable. Disposable diapers and sanitation pads destroy compostable toilets, washable pads & diapers are reusable. Collecting large filter units after use and reusing for next disaster provide the community with safe water. Using GIS to plot distributions and storage areas allows rapid assessment and locates the most vulnerable.