Blog: News & Events

Hurricane Maria Relief Efforts

 

 

WESTERN MASS UNITED FOR PUERTO RICO RELIEF – NUEVA ESPERANZA 

September 26, 2017,

First and foremost thank you so much for your interest in helping the island of Puerto Rico.  Nueva Esperanza has been leading efforts to assist the Island since Hurricane Irma since September 6th.  Hurricane Maria has drastically changed the trajectory and scope of relief efforts in Holyoke and in the region.  Here is the latest.

First a group of regional stakeholders got together last week we collectively decided that we will be known as:  WESTERN MASS UNITED FOR PUERTO RICO

Local, State, Regional Elected Officials, US Senator Markey, US Senator Warren and US Rep Neal’s office were all present, and area non profits were all present.

~THE WESTERN MASS COLLECTION SITES HAVE OPEN AT NUEVA ESPERANZA IN HOLYOKE WILL REMAIN OPEN/COLLECTION DONATIONS UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30th, 2017 — SPRINGFIELD HAS MULTIPLE SITES.

 

~ WE WILL BE MEETING AGAIN NEXT WEEK TO GET A BETTER SENSE OF WHAT IS GOING ON ON THE ISLAND AND WHAT IS NEEDED.

~FREEDOM CREDIT UNION WILL BE ACCEPTING DONATIONS FOR WESTERN MASS COMMUNITY MEMBERS WANTING TO DONATE TO RELIEF EFFORTS. MORE DETAILS & ACCOUNT INFORMATION WILL BE GIVEN OUT TOMORROW. (Donation Button/Where to mail checks to will be coming shortly.)

~ According to government officials in Puerto Rico, there is an immediate need for building materials and medical supplies. “We will be calling on all U.S. companies doing business in Puerto Rico to support our people in their time of need. We are all in this together, and now is exactly when large institutions can do a lot of good for those in great need.

~ If you have NOT been able to communicate and contact family members Puerto Rico falls under FEMA’s jurisdiction, please call the RED CROSS – Number set up 1-800-733-2767. Also landline phones are a better way to communicate with family members.

~Locally we are putting priority towards water purifying tablets, water purifying bottles, first aid kits/medical supplies without expiration dates, batteries and flash lights. (NO WATER BOTTLES)

On Sunday October 8th (As part of a National Day to raise awareness and funds for Hurricane Maria victims in Puerto Rico), we will be planning a regional fundraising / donation drive day, through out Western Mass, we will gather as a community to share information, offer support and better understand what has happened to our island and what we can do to help. We encourage everyone who cares about Puerto Rico to stop by and make a contribution, no matter how small. Details forth coming.

We need each other right now more than ever, and we’re honored to provide a space for our community to heal and take action.

Waleska Lugo-DeJesus has been selected to be the point of Contact Person for the group to streamline communication and information

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