We are rebuilding 100 homes that were totally or partially destroyed by Hurricane Maria. Owners of these houses either did not get government support or received insufficient funds to cover the damage. P.E.C.E.S. is channeling donations and grants to help with structural assessments for their houses, as well as windows, doors, paint, roof sealer, kitchen cabinetry and materials that might not be covered by FEMA or other aids. Work will be done by local builders to support the local economy.
Many houses in Punta Santiago suffered substantial damage due to hurricane winds and to the ocean surge (which flooded houses up to 5 feet). The process of applying for government help (FEMA and local government) and for insurance claims has being a challenge for many residents (a fact documented by local media and official reports). Thus, neighbors, specially the old and poor, find themselves with insufficient resources to restore their homes to basic living conditions.
We have chosen 100 of the most damaged houses, and are providing structural assessments so the improvements are not cosmetic and houses can withstand another storm. Also, we are providing materials and resources that are not usually covered by basic government assistance but make a difference in turning a house livable again. We are also teaching residents about simple tactics they can apply to make their homes safer and more resilient to natural phenomena. Furthermore we are working on drainage
In addition to preventing that these neighbors go down into a poverty spiral due to inadequate living conditions, we are supporting the local economy by recruiting local builders and contractors to do the assessments and repairs. Whenever possible, all materials are bought at local businesses. Finally, in engaging both neighbors and builders, we are teaching new construction skills that will be used in future homes to make them safer for residents. Local youth will be actively engaged.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
