Safeguarding Homes After Disasters

From the continental U.S., Puerto Rico looks like a paradise. White sand beaches, teal blue waters and graceful architecture delight visitors and give the island a European feel that’s hard to find elsewhere in America. 

However, beneath the colorful façade lies a troubling truth: for many reasons, people don’t have the financial means or structural resources to repair their homes in the wake of a natural disaster. The result is unsafe, unstable living conditions for thousands of Puerto Rican families. 

That’s where the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s partner, Techos Pa’ Mi Gente (TPMG; Roofs for my People), comes in. Led by Executive Director Amarilis González, TPMG has worked tirelessly to help repair, restore and replace roofs for more than 130 Puerto Rican families impacted by Hurricane Maria.

Families like a single mother living with her two children in a home with many dangerous issues. Their roof had been severely damaged in the hurricane, creating space for bats to roost, and even with metal supports in place, the roof was caving in around them. What’s more, bats were leaving huge amounts of guano that made it hazardous for the family to even breathe the air inside their home. 

TPMG was able to replace the roof on their house and collaborate with a local company to relocate the bats safely, also removing 40 pounds of guano. Now the family lives in good health and feels secure in their home. 

The Future Needs YOU

Massive cuts to government funding have threatened the work of TPMG and other Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) partners around the world. Without federal aid, organizations like TPMG are unable to meet the needs of their communities. 

In Spring of 2025, TPMG received a letter immediately canceling all funding for their AmeriCorps volunteers, volunteers who make up 90% of their staff. This cutback left 16,000 Puerto Rican families waiting for repaired and secure housing, causing Amarilis González to briefly consider closing the doors to TPMG. 

Instead, she turned to the PC(USA). Thanks in part to your support of Presbyterian mission and ministry through the Giving Catalog, the Church was able to provide TPMG with the emergency funding they needed to continue their vital work for the people of Puerto Rico. 

We cannot predict what will happen next, in Puerto Rico or elsewhere, whether it’s a hurricane, wildfire, armed conflict or act of violence. What we do know, however, is that thanks to our shared faith and your continued leadership, the PC(USA) will be there to respond.