January 2018 – Present / Puerto Rico
In the Fall of 2017, Hurricane Maria’s 155 mph ferocious winds plowed through the island of Puerto Rico, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. “It is the worst natural disaster on record in Puerto Rico and nearly three months later, the island still does not have power and potable water in many areas. As always, our team worked with local partners to carefully assess the damage and identify communities with the greatest need for help” noted Erik Dyson, C.E.O. of All Hands and Hearts. “Now that the situation on the ground has settled we will be helping the families, in the areas of Yabucoa and Barranquitas, in the clean up process and to be there alongside them on the long road to recovery.”
All Hands Volunteers are currently operating out of 2 bases in Puerto Rico – Barranquitas and Yabucoa. Both bases have now successfully transitioned to the Recovery phase.
Teams working in Barranquitas have assisted with mucking and gutting, debris removal, mould sanitations and cement and CGI roofing jobs. Additionally, Yabucoa teams have helped with the demolition of unsafe structures, debris removal, minor repair jobs and cement roofing.
Norwegian Cruise Line set a goal to raise $2.5 million for All Hands Volunteers. This record-breaking donation, along with many others, has enabled us to make a 2-year commitment to building schools in the US Virgin Islands, Florida, Puerto Rico and Caribbean Islands, alongside our partner, the Happy Hearts Fund. As always, we are about staying for the long-term.
Our volunteer application is open. Please donate today, or apply to volunteer, in order to allow us to continue helping those affected by the disaster!
