Help For Puerto Rico



Puerto Rico is part of the United States of America. The fact that I have to state that is part of the problem and shame, that accompanies this country's history. That's because Puerto Rico is not a state but a territory of the U.S., which  essentially amounts to being a colony. Chicago's own Boriqua  Congressman Luis Gutierrez, (D-ILL.) has referred to the relationship between Puerto Rico and the U.S. as an association with "a distant and inattentive colonial master." I can think of a few other words as U.S. government response to the devastation of Hurricane Maria on Puerto Rico lags and American citizens continue to go without water, electricity and food. This goes beyond demolished buildings and ripped infrastructure, 34 people have died and that number is expected to rise if the neglect continues.

Dozens of grassroots relief efforts have sprouted to try to address Puerto Rico's relief needs. Here is a list of vetted charity organizations that will deliver resources where it is needed:

United For Puerto Rico: This is the initiative started by the First Lady of Puerto Rico and one that I personally support.

Hispanic Federation Relief Fund: Elected officials have partnered the Federation to organize a special fund.

Hispanics In Philanthropy:  This organization sends donations directly to community organizations in Puerto Rico, Cuba and Florida.

Unicef:  I also regularly support Unicef, they have created a special fund to support children in Puerto Rico.

The photo above shows a view of San Juan from El Morro Fort that I shot last year.  As you can see from the image, Puerto Rico is beautiful. The people are beautiful. The culture is beautiful. Please help the island.

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