A summary of our response in Puerto Rico thus far:
- Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has disbursed grants totaling over $1.5 million in Puerto Rico
- 8 emergency grants to all three presbyteries and the synod
- church damage grants to help with repairs of churches
- conducted a PDA leadership solidarity visit in November to churches in the three presbyteries and synod as well as the Seminario Evengelico de Puerto Rico
- Approved a grant for repairs of the Seminario Evangelico campus
- Provided grants to the three presbyteries to hire a Presbytery Disaster Coordinator
- Held a bi-annual PDA Advisory Committee meeting in solidarity with the PCUSA community in Puerto Rico
- Approved a special grant to the synod to provide assistance to the communities on the small island of Vieques
- Conducted two faith-leader trainings and a compassion fatigue training in Puerto Rico for those involved in community outreach
- Disbursed grants so churches can do the necessary renovations to become volunteer host sites to support the rebuilding efforts
- Standing with presbyteries on the mainland that are supporting Puerto Rican evacuees
- Developed a Response Volunteer Opportunity document for mainland churches and groups interested in volunteering in Puerto Rico
- Provided a grant to Camp El Guacio to help them recover and continue to support the town of San Sebastian
- Shared resources and training on disaster preparation and response
- Funded a needs assessment by Seguridad Social de las Iglesias Dominicanas for Puerto Rico and the Caribbean
- Hired three contract staff (one full time and two part time) to assist with the 2017 hurricane season response
Continuing support:
- In collaboration with the three presbyteries, PDA will provide a children’s resilience overnight retreat at El Guacio
- In coordination with the three presbyteries, PDA will provide a faith-leader and family retreat in Mayaguez
- In partnership with the Presbyterian Hunger Program, Self Development of People and El Guacio, PDA is providing disaster mitigation training and installing solar panels
- Partnering with Long Term Recovery Groups through the Puerto Rico VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster)
- Partnering with and connecting mainland churches and mid-councils to response and recovery efforts in Puerto Rico
- Providing volunteer opportunities for interested groups during the long term recovery
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