By Liza Morales Ortiz | Director of Operations
“They made me a whole new house! They came to fix the roof and made me a brand new house! It's amazing!” responded Bethzaida with joy when asked about her experience with PRoTechos.
Six years ago, Bethzaida, 62, lost everything during Hurricane Maria and was displaced from her home. She later returned but had to live in a home that was constantly flooding inside. She did not feel safe: “Imagine getting the house wet when it rains? In the room and the kitchen, it was horrible. Because one is trying to have new things and the filtrations caused a lot of damage. That made me fall into depression, I felt desperate and nervous.”
Thanks to your donations through GlobalGiving and the support of the Community Based Organization, Brigada Solidaria del Oeste, PRoTechos was able to purchase galvalume, wood, expansion screws and other materials needed to build a secure roof for Bethzaida, and together with our crew of carpentry trainers and apprentices, that is exactly what we did!
Because of PRoTechos’ work, she was able to safely return to her home and begin moving forward.
Later in our conversation, when asked how she felt after having her house rebuilt, she stated with a huge smile: “Now I feel happy, content! Now I feel safe! Yes!” I am happy, happy, happy…I thank you all very much and I feel proud and happy to know you. I thank you a lot!!!!!
As we continue our work in the southwest part of the archipelago, stories like Bethzaidas’ are more and more frequent. Many families that have been living under leaky roofs and waiting for help that is six years too late. Our mission is to find them, and provide the support that they deserve.
We are grateful for all of our volunteers, partners, employees, trainees and community members - and most of all, we are grateful for you - our generous donors. We could not continue to do this work without your support. Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays to you and your family! Together, we can rebuild Puerto Rico, One Roof at a Time!
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