Disaster Legal Aid for Communities in Puerto Rico

Although 2021 did not bring a new active disaster to Puerto Rico, disasters have grown exponentially, feeding on the vulnerabilities of governmental neglect, the multiple crisis, and the isolation of survivors. Data provides a snapshot on the unmet needs: 1. It is still estimated that 14,000-18,000 houses still have provisional blue tarps as roofs, 4 years after hurricane María; 2. Out of 27,000 applicants to housing recovery funds, nly 300 homes have been rebuilt and only 1300 repaired

.Because disasters have a disparate impact that is still palpable, community leaders were recently able to voice their demands and concerns regarding civil rights violations commited by recovery agents in the aftermath of Irma and María. The stories told signal to an unfinished recovery process that threatens not only their homes but also their possibility of dignified living. This is our context and the ground of our commitment.

Beyond first response, disasters have a long term impact in communities, particularly in places where inequality is constant. With your support our Just Recovery program has been able to complete another cycle. This is our fourth year accopanying disaster survivors. In 2021 we gathered nearly 550 participations in know your right workshops and not Disasters have a long term impact in communities, particularly in places where inequality is constant.