Did you know that 70-80% of the Latino population in Philadelphia is Puerto Rican?  While Fairhill prides itself on its culturally diverse community whose roots span throughout the globe, according to Wikipedia,

“Fairhill, among other areas of eastern North Philadelphia, is known for having some of the highest concentrations of Puerto Ricans in the United States.”

That’s why, when Hurricane Maria ravaged Puerto Rico on September 20, community organizations all over Fairhill and the greater Philadelphia area came together as one to form the supergroup, Unidos PA’PR,  a fundraising and relief effort designed to bring aid to the island.

“In just three weeks, Unidos PA’PR has already shipped 180,000 pounds of goods to Puerto Rico and raised over $125,000 in aid.”

Now, the effort continues as communities in Puerto Rico still remain without clean drinking water, electricity, and access to food.  Estimates say that it will take six months to a year to restore Puerto Rico’s electrical grid, and even longer to rebuild the many roads, bridges, farms and homes that were destroyed by Maria.

Unidos PA’PR will continue to collect monetary donations and hold fundraising events in the weeks and months to come.  You can join the effort right now by donating on Unidos PA’PR’s website.

DONATE NOW

Even if your wallet is tapped out, there are more ways to help than donating money.  As Taller Puertorriqueño’s Director Dr. Carmen Febo San Miguel explains,

“Other than making donations, the single best thing you can do is to write a letter to your elected officials.”

The National Puerto Rican Agenda, a national coalition of organizations and community leaders, has launched a national letter drive to ask President Trump and Congress to take immediate action to save Puerto Rico.  To send your petition, go to: https://national-puerto-rican-agenda.rallycongress.net/

100DaysXPuertoRico is another great resource for ongoing information on how you can take action to advocate for Puerto Rico relief and restructuring.  Sign a petition, call, or email your representative and let them know that you care about the future of Puerto Rico.