Dear Friends of the Foundation,

We wanted to reach out and give our Foundation family an update about the ongoing relief efforts in Puerto Rico. Since the earthquakes and tremors that rocked the island, many buildings have collapsed and many residents have lost their homes. Puerto Rico has been under a state of emergency since January 6, 2020.

From our Greater New Britain Disaster Response Fund, the Community Foundation has so far made two grants to organizations working around the clock to help the people of Puerto Rico and to get the island functioning as quickly as possible.

We would like to thank those of you who have already donated and made such a noticeable impact during this tragedy. We are grateful for your continuous support and generosity. Special thanks to Diaspora Multicultural Society for hosting their "Late Night for Puerto Rico" fundraiser which benefited our Greater New Britain Disaster Response Fund!
Acción Social De Puerto Rico
After the damaging earthquakes struck, residents of the affected areas were moved to state shelters or community shelters that provide safety and security. Others are in the shelters because their homes have completely collapsed and they have nowhere else to go. In the Southwest area of the island, there are 22 shelters consisting mostly of elderly people in need. Many of these older clients are alone or their family members had to leave them to go work and tend to the rest of the family. Acción Social De Puerto Rico received a $2,500 grant to hire housekeepers to be assigned to state and community shelters to help these elderly people with personal hygiene, basic health care (including medications), and emotional and spiritual support. This project will impact at least 200 people who have been affected by the terrible earthquakes.
Veterans Response
Veterans Response is a team of veterans and first responders dedicated to serving communities affected by hurricanes, fires, floods, and other natural and manmade disasters. They specialize in bringing clean water, food, reliable communication, and other vital relief needs to those communities, giving them the tools and support they need to rebuild. The organization has secured a relationship with a Walmart on the island to secure tents, air mattresses, and other supplies they need; eliminating having to ship items to the island at increased costs. A grant of $2,500 allowed the team to establish a 10 tent camp where 40-60 residents can be set up comfortably until damage is fully assessed and plans for them are made. 

Ray Guasp, Executive Director, has an alpha and bravo team (1 & 2) on the island setting up camps for residents and he is already in Puerto Rico himself to coordinate more teams for relief efforts.

To see update videos from Ray and his team, click here .
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Senator Gennaro Bizzaro and State Representative William Petit invite you to an Earthquake Relief Collection for Puerto Rico Wednesday, February 12 from 5:30pm-7:30pm at Stop & Shop (1309 Corbin Ave., New Britain, CT) to benefit the Greater New Britain Disaster Response Fund.
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To make a gift to the relief efforts in Puerto Rico, please visit our website .

If you have the opportunity, please go to our Facebook , LIKE our page, and share our posts about the disaster and our efforts with your friends.

Photos taken by and courtesy of Reinaldo "Ray" Guasp Jr., Founder & Executive Director of Veterans Response.

Regards,
David Obedzinski, President/CEO
Community Foundation of Greater New Britain
74A Vine Street
New Britain, CT 06052
860.229.6018 ext. 306
860.225.2666 fax
| 860.229.6018 | [email protected] | www.cfgnb.org