US Citizens in NEEDRecent images of Puerto Rico show an island without electricity, without water, without the daily necessities we take for granted each and every day. They live in what can best be described as a third world country.
Yet Puerto Rico isn't a third world country, PUERTO RICO IS A TERRITORY OF THE UNITED STATES. Puerto Rico is home to 3.5 million US Citizens. This means it has a larger population than 20 US States and it is larger in area than Rhode Island and Delaware combined. While the media have all but left and our thoughts naturally turn to the newest high profile emergency of the day, our friends in Puerto Rico continue to battle the devastation from Hurricane Maria. Friend and fellow water professional, Warner Palermo recently shared his story which described the devastation and its impact on his family and friends. His story very much paints the picture of "a day in the life of a Puerto Rican" today. I encourage you to read his story and provide whatever help you can. |
What's being Done?Warner and his friends and colleagues have organized water professionals from the island to travel to remote villages to assist in re-establishing their water and wastewater infrastructure. These are Puerto Ricans helping Puerto Ricans. They have volunteers, but what they lack is resources. You can help provide those much needed resources.
Warner has obtained a warehouse near San Juan where those resources can be securely stored and routed to those who need it the most. We suggest you shop at your favorite online retailer and have any items you wish to donate shipped directly to Warner's team. These items will not get lost on the loading dock or sit unused, they will reach those volunteers who are making a difference one village at a time. |
What do they need?
GENERAL ITEMS NEEDED:
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SMALL VILLAGE WATER SYSTEM SUPPLIES:
Shipping AddressWarner Palermo/Odalis De La Vega URB Santiago Iglesias 1458 Paz Granela Street San Juan, PR 00921 |
In the Help section, there are links to online retailers that ship directly to Puerto Rico and more information on donating supplies. We have created shopping lists/registries where possible to make the process as easy as possible.
If you would prefer to donate money, we have included a direct link to the Emergency Relief Fund established by the American Water Works Association where your contributions will be committed to emergency response efforts by water/wastewater utility personnel.