Since the first and longer post is no longer a Sticky, I’ve asked Astrid (@artistikem) in Puerto Rico to submit a weekly update on relief efforts and the status of things there. Each of these Updates will be a Sticky for a week. Let’s help end the misery down there. Scroll down one for each day’s new posts (if any).
132 days after Irma. 118 days after Maria.
And Puerto Rico is still in crisis.
I can sincerely say I’m happy with what we’ve been able to do yet, deep inside, it only shows that this crisis is far from over.
I spoke to Sister Blanca so I could channel some donations from other people I know and I have to report that some of the baby/kids stuff I delivered to them were then taken to a children’s shelter called Hogar Ave Maria, where they care for babies surrendered to them, most of them HIV+.
One of these people was a friend’s mother who channeled a donation from another friend and her coworkers. Thanks to their donation we managed to get a lot of food and supplies to Sister Blanca, including the so much needed EleCare (green can) baby formula. She also helped me with three cases in my area (the blind mother and disabled daughter duo, a bedridden alzheimer’s patient, and a new family in need) and another by proxy who requires Similac for Spit-Up formula.
My cases are only a tiny example of what’s going on. In the municipality of Humacao two adults have died of apparent malnutrition and a senator has declared an SOS because of how precarious the situation is there. This week Sam’s Club closed two stores (Rexville and Barceloneta), however, the Humacao one had so much damaged it hasn’t reopened. Wal-Mart was also destroyed by Maria and small businesses are struggling to survive so just getting food is an uphill battle for residents.
The state police force is on “strike” because they haven’t been paid overtime, so they’ve been calling in sick (the so-called Blue Flu) since before Christmas which has spiked crimes. (http://time.com/5099781/puerto-rico-murder-rate-hurricane-maria/) An FB friend was murdered last week after having witnessed a drive-by shooting and wanting to take the car’s license plate, which caused for the murderers to see him and shoot him too (http://www.primerahora.com/noticias/policia-tribunales/nota/asesinanhijodeexjuezenmediodedeberciudadano-1262649/). It’s not safe to be out in the street anymore because of the lack of police and how crazy people have gotten after spending so long without basic utilities. There’s little to no patience left and, quiet frankly, I don’t blame them, but common sense has left the building for a lot of the population.
And don’t get me started on the missing. So many missing people flooding our social media feeds. Our government doesn’t want to declare it a crisis but we see it, we’re the ones hurting.
This is why I’ll keep on doing what I’m doing. Because every time we deliver a donation we brighten that person’s life, even if for just one day. So please donate. Either to me or to any organization you find worthy of your time or money. I’ve been modifying my Amazon wish-list to suit current needs. Feel free to contact me about other things you might find useful. We’ve created a network among smaller relief efforts so nothing goes to waste.
Ways to donate:
Amazon wish-list: http://www.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/3T4USG7ULMQN2
Amazon gift cards: artistikem@gmail.com
PayPal: artistikem@gmail.com
Mail: Artistikem PO BOX 7225 Caguas PR 00726-7225
ATH Móvil: 787-366-5068
Previously here:
Puerto Rico And America’s House Of Cards
Weekly Update #1 From Puerto Rico
The Post-Maria Horror In Puerto Rico Continues
Third Update From Puerto Rico
Don’t Forget Puerto Rico Or Its Abandoned Pets
Puerto Rico Is Still In Trouble
Second Update From Puerto Rico
An Update From Puerto Rico
Amazon Wish List For Hurricane Maria Relief In Puerto Rico
Mike Cane's Atomic Supermen 