Puerto Rico was hit by the severe Hurricane Fiona on Sunday, leaving several people dead and millions without power and access to running water. Still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Maria in 2017, many Caribbean islands like Puerto Rico will now be further behind in rebuilding efforts.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and the Board of County Commissioners recently announced that the county is partnering with Global Empowerment Mission to launch a humanitarian aid drive to collect donations for those impacted. Three drop-off locations, including two Miami-Dade Fire Rescue fire stations and a local GEM warehouse, have been set up to receive donations starting on Friday, September 23 to Monday, October 3. They are:
- Fire Station 1: 16699 NW 67th Avenue, Miami Lakes, FL 33014 (Monday through Sunday between 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
- Fire Station 34: 10850 SW 211th Street, Cutler Bay, FL 33189 (Monday through Sunday between 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
- Global Empowerment Mission Warehouse: 1810 NW 94th Avenue, Doral, FL 33172 (Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
“Our community is well acquainted with the devastation, difficulty and suffering these hurricanes can unleash and we have a moral obligation to assist our Caribbean neighbors,” said Mayor Cava. “I ask and encourage all our residents to please give what you can.”
The county is also working with its 29,000 employees to generate additional aid and monetary support for the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, through additional legislation championed by County Commissioner Rebeca Sosa. Click here to learn more about the county’s response.
If you’re looking for ways to support individually, here are some organizations involved in relief efforts that you can look into donating to:
- United Way Miami
- Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami
- World Central Kitchen
- All Hands and Hearts
- Foundation for Puerto Rico