Local not-for-profit agencies and volunteers are working to collect basic needs and assist people arriving in Buffalo from hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico. Several gathered in Buffalo Monday to provide information to those who are arriving in Buffalo and possibly staying for the long-term.
Some volunteers prepared sets of blankets and pillows. Elsewhere throughout a gymnasium on the grounds of Holy Cross Church, representatives of various organizations sat behind rows of tables, where information for various services were available, including healthcare information, legal advice and housing.
"Right now we are working on a local supply drive to assist these individuals," said Nadia Pizarro, co-chair of the local Puerto Rican hurricane relief effort. "We have approximately 400 individuals, over 100 families, that have come into Western New York including the City of Buffalo."
Catholic Charities and St. Vincent de Paul Society are actively collecting clothing and furniture, respectively, to help arrivals settle in.
Deacon Miguel Santos at Holy Cross says repairs are progressing along Puerto Rico's coastline but countless residents living in the mountainous interior of the island remain without electric power or clean drinking water, two months after Hurricane Maria caused catastrophic damage.
"These seem to be the majority of the people that are arriving here," Santos said. "If the house was destroyed, no electric, no running water, the children need to go to school, they're not employed in Puerto Rico, now they're looking for a place of refuge. Many find themselves in Western New York."
Cash donations are also sought and may be placed at a GoFundMe account started by local relief organizers.
