The island of Puerto Rico just can't catch a break. Still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Maria in 2017, the U.S. territory has been rocked by a series of earthquakes since January. With federal relief aid currently in limbo, Puerto Ricans have been forced to rely primarily on nongovernmental organizations and private relief efforts.
We at Cheapism believe in giving back to our communities, and our staff recently donated to the Hispanic Federation's ongoing relief effort in Puerto Rico. You can join us by making a donation to our Givalanche of good. You can also help by contributing to one of these other nonprofits, all of which have been vetted by Charity Navigator.
Photo credit: Eric Rojas / Stringer / Getty Images News / Getty Images South America / Getty Images CCHispanic Federation
Since 1990, Hispanic Federation has been advocating for Latino social, political, and economic empowerment throughout the U.S. In Puerto Rico, Federation initiatives have provided solar lanterns to regions left without electricity and as well as funds for ongoing mental health programs.
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Oxfam America
Oxfam is an international organization dedicated to fighting hunger, disease, and poverty throughout the world. In Puerto Rico, Oxfam America relief efforts include supplying tents and other emergency shelters, installing solar panels to generate electricity, and working with local organizations to provide other needed relief.
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All Hands and Hearts
This decade-old organization focuses on responding to natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey in Texas. Their Puerto Rican relief efforts include aiding World Central Kitchen meal-distribution efforts and working with local group Brigada de Todxs to construct sheltered sleeping areas for homeless residents.
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World Central Kitchen
Celebrity chef José Andrés founded WCK about a decade ago with a mission of providing food quickly to persons after disaster has struck. In Puerto Rico, volunteers were on the ground with hot food for earthquake survivors and first responders within hours of the first temblor on Jan. 7, and they served more than 100,000 meals in the first week alone to people in 90 locations on the island.
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Direct Relief
This healthcare organization has steered more than $100 million to Puerto Rican nonprofits since Hurricane Maria struck in 2017. To aid local doctors, nurses, and first responders, Direct Relief is sending emergency medical supply kits and coordinating physical and mental health relief efforts at local shelters.
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The International Red Cross
The Red Cross has made disaster relief one of its core missions for more than 130 years. More than 200 Red Cross volunteers have been active in Puerto Rico, distributing medical and relief supplies, including water, blankets, and food.
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Americares
Earthquakes can cause mental trauma as well as physical injury. Americares emergency responders in Puerto Rico are providing mental health care for displaced islanders living in temporary shelters, conducting wellness checks on isolated residents, training local first responders, and providing desperately needed medical and hygiene supplies.
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Photo credit: Jose Jimenez / Stringer / Getty Images News / Getty Images North America / Getty Images CCFood Bank of Puerto Rico
Based in San Juan, the Food Bank of Puerto Rico serves more than 15 million meals a year to residents who might otherwise go hungry. In the wake of the January earthquakes, the Food Bank has also been delivering supplies to stricken regions of the south and west.
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Humane Society of Puerto Rico
When disaster strikes, pets are often left homeless or separated from their owners, sometimes for weeks at a time. The Humane Society cares for lost and stray animals, offers medical treatment for pets, and conducts regular spay/neuter clinics.
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We at Cheapism believe in giving back to our communities, and our staff recently donated to the Hispanic Federation's ongoing relief effort in Puerto Rico. You can join us by making a donation to our Givalanche of good.
