Support the relief efforts in Puerto Rico

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Poco a Poco - Little by Little

a video/poem tribute to Puerto Rico

by Asya Rachitsky

https://vimeo.com/241280595

Paradise

Credit: Asya Rachitsky

MY STORY: (written Noveber 11, 2017)

In 2016 I had the opportunity to work and live in Rincon, Puerto Rico

- so I jumped at the chance.

While there, I had the opportunity to experience Paradise living:

Beautiful nature, warm beaches, spectacular sunsets, and a friendly community immersed in kindness.

I learned this is a surfer born town and was happy to discover that it peacefully co-exists with native Puerto Ricans. This is unlike many places in the world and what I discovered from inquiry and witnessing is that the bliss of surfing provides the surfers a feeling of gratitude and indebtedness to a land that offers amazing warm waves.

As a single person I feel somewhat lost about what to do for this island that provided me so much visual beauty, and it's people who create a wonderful tourist destination embracing newcomers with a sense of joy for life on the island. Rincon is a precious glowing jewel of a town and I would be ashamed not to help somehow. The reason I am not there right now is because I and my family fear for my health there. The conditions are below poverty standards for most peoples' bodies, minds, and souls.

I am reaching out to you, whether you are a surfer, vacationer, newswatcher, anything hoping that my story or anyone's story will touch you to help Puerto Rico in an way.

Below I have compiled links to organizations who are doing real work and making a real difference. They are each working in unique ways to rebuild Puerto Rico and could truly use our help.

UPDATE:

As of December 22, 2017

Most of Puerto Rico has been without power for over two and a half months. Pricey generators are used by some. Most of the food distribution has been abysmal. Water is contaminated or highly bleached. Many people have left the island. Many have nowhere else to go. Please refer to the video links below to learn more and find ways you can help. I haven't gone back to Puerto Rico yet even though my island community along with my clothes, possessions, and furniture are still there. I am hoping together we can make a positive change. Please refer to the videos and links below in how you can help. Christmas toys are now needed. Thank you.

A Puerto Rican Christmas

Puerto Rico is suffering through the holidays

Rincon Beer Company - from Beerhouse to vital life support to Puerto Rico.

Rincon Beer Company has an inspirational story to tell and needs your help.

Trustworthy Organizations

Send Relief!

WAVES FOR WATER WORKS ON THE FRONT-LINE TO PROVIDE
CLEAN WATER TO COMMUNITIES IN NEED AROUND THE WORLD

"Many of us that come from a developed country such as the US, know these Caribbean islands as the incredibly beautiful vacation destinations they are – But what isn’t often thought about, are the little communities where a lot of the local people live, that work at those resorts and tourist companies."

Jon Rose - Waves for Water Campaign

Credit: Waves for Water

Rincon Beer Company switched from a central meeting spot to a very reliable soup kitchen.

They have been working tirelessly to help the community providing food/ safe water. In addition to that they have been repairing people's broken roofs and taking down dangerous trees.

Rincon Brewing Company Hurricane Relief Efforts

Credit: Daisy Faust

Rincon Brewing Company Relief Effort

Credit: Daisy Faust

Costa Salud is without a doubt the most organized entity functioning in Rincon- and the only emergency and medical care in this area

They have been operating during the entire and storm and are not turning away patients, regardless of payment. And now they are organizing these free mobile clinics to the worst affected areas.