We began 2024 with a goal of granting 24 homes and actively continuing our development and capacity building projects. With the start of a new year, we are providing new beginnings of security and peace of mind through a safe roof and growth opportunities.

“According to a recent report from the Commissioner of Financial Institutions, fewer people have sufficient income to become homeowners. The average housing cost in Puerto Rico has risen by 9.6% compared to 2022, and today a home costs approximately $12,000 more than last year, not including additional financial process fees such as closing expenses. This undoubtedly presents a complex landscape for low- to middle-income individuals interested in owning a home. Through our Home Acquisition Program, we can help more people achieve homeownership, making it vital for us to continue our services and programs in Puerto Rico," said Amanda Silva, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Puerto Rico.

Ana and Pedro, once residents of Río Piedras, faced the challenge of finding a new home after their previous residence was deemed unsafe.

This year, our partnerships, including one with the Department of Housing and its R-3 program, will be pivotal in assisting families needing relocation and holding an R-3 voucher, underscoring our commitment to being a part of the solution.

For the first time, we're launching a multimedia fundraising campaign with a focus on collaboration and donations to build, repair, and improve homes. This initiative empowers families towards a prosperous future and fosters stable communities. This effort is a collaboration with Minds Grupo Publicitario and local media, ensuring broad exposure across digital, TV, radio, and our social networks. We invite you to engage with our platforms for more details and support our mission to provide safe, affordable housing and essential guidance for families, aligning with our commitment to their better future. Get started and help us provide homes and new beginnings by donating at www.habitatpr.org.

At the Habitat for Humanity 2024 Affiliate Conference, our staff member Patricia Méndez, an expert in family services, contributed to the "Climate and Environmental Justice: Approaches to Serving Vulnerable Homeowners and Communities" panel. She showcased our team's remarkable efforts and support in Puerto Rico following Hurricane María. Patricia shared valuable insights, best practices, and firsthand experiences from our field work, benefiting both participants and communities. Topics such as community risks, needs, adaptability, and the importance of partnerships were discussed. We're immensely proud of our team's ongoing commitment across various areas, enabling more individuals to start anew with a home and hope.

The Women Build Puerto Rico initiative, originally launched as a volunteer day for women, has grown into a series of workshops teaching home repair skills to vulnerable women. These sessions aim to empower our participants with the confidence to manage basic home maintenance tasks. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Starbucks Foundation, Starbucks Puerto Rico, and Hogar Ruth for making these workshops possible. In these sessions, participants engage with our team to learn about a variety of topics, including tool usage, safety measures, and the basics of electricity and plumbing.

We are proud to announce that, thanks to the support of Trailer Bridge and Anderson Trucking Services (ATS) in their 4th Rally for Puerto Rico tournament, more than $143,000 was raised! Your commitment and generosity are examples to follow, thanks to companies like you, we can continue providing home ownership opportunities in Puerto Rico.

Year after year, community members, organized groups, and corporate teams unite as volunteers, dedicating their time and talents in solidarity to uplift numerous families across our island.