Providing a Safe Home for 25 Seniors in Ponce, PR

Our team, at the Voluntariado de Ingenieros y Profesionales de Puerto Rico (VIPPR), recently surveyed our database to ask families who were impacted by the earthquake in January 2020, if they had made any home repairs. Surprisingly, over 60% of respondents said they have not yet made any repairs. Many of them have fallen through the cracks of process, requirements, and misunderstandings of available recovery programs. Some of them just gave up exhausted by the many hoops.  

When our team presented the concept model of the soon-to-be-built building to the staff, residents, and resident's family members, there was no face in that zoom call without teary eyes. It was a sign of hope, that they will be back soon to their beloved Hogar Años Dorados. 

This is why your support to rebuild the elderly center is so important and the reason we are so thankful for you! Thanks to you, this elderly center and its 25 residents are closer to have their home back!

We are overjoyed by the progress we have made, thanks to your generous support! 

TASKS COMPLETED

VIPPR volunteers:

• Completed the structural engineering report, which provides technical recommendations on structural repairs and retrofit. Because this is a historical building that hosts a vulnerable population, it must include the highest and safest standards for seismic-resistant construction, while preserving its beauty. 
• Created a concept model for the building; this is the initial design idea.
• Are working on floor planning, designing a safe and comfortable flow to the elderly center. This plan will accommodate living areas for up to 30 elderly and 14 staff members, including ADA-compliant bathrooms, kitchen, living rooms, offices, medical office, patio, and balcony. 

WHAT'S NEXT

Thanks to your donations so far, we are ready to move to the detailed design and specifications during which all the main components of the building and how they fit together are described. This will give the important "how-to" to the builders; the recipe on how to build Hogar Años Dorados stronger and beautiful. 

IN THE MEANTIME

Although residents of Hogar Años Dorados were spread out through different homes around the island amid the impact of the earthquake, Dara Liz Rodriguez Rodriguez, owner and president of the elderly center, make sure they can still get together and have some fun with their second family.  Also, VIPPR continues the outreach for volunteers, partners, sponsors, and donors to rebuild Hogar Años Dorados as promptly as we can, as safely as we can.

HOW CAN YOU CONTINUE THE SUPPORT?

• Please share our project to help us get more supporters
• Consider becoming a monthly recurring! 
• Stay tuned for a "Little x Little" matching campaign in September!
• Have any skill or in-kind that can contribute to the project, contact us! We would love to work with you!

Thank you for being part of this amazing journey and for bringing hope to the adorable residents at Hogar Años Dorados!

In Solidarity, 

Jesabel Rivera

Links:

• The elderly center and their earthquake response
• Find more about VIPPR's work