Responding in Puerto Rico

This statement was originally published on September 21, 2017. It has been updated on October 9, 2017 to reflect the latest information.

Following Hurricane Maria, Mercy Corps is supporting relief and recovery efforts in Puerto Rico. We have a team on the ground in Puerto Rico working with local organizations to deliver humanitarian assistance and start rebuilding the communities ravaged by the hurricane.

Working with local organizations, we are providing emergency cash cards so people can buy what they need most. We know that many people still don’t have access to clean water, so they will likely use cash to buy water, food and other essential supplies. We are making our way to the interior of the island to continue identifying additional communities we can support.

We are also working as quickly as we can to lay the foundation for recovery. As we see elsewhere around the world, it will take a concerted effort by multiple organizations and the government to help Puerto Rico recover from this disaster. Puerto Ricans are inspiring us with their commitment to building back better than before the storm, and we are moved to bring our global experience, expertise and contacts to the recovery and rebuilding effort.