PHOTOS: Daddy Yankee helps families in Caguas, Puerto Rico, by distributing shelter repair kits with Habitat for Humanity and Save the Children
CAGUAS, Puerto Rico (Nov. 7, 2017) – Puerto Rico native, rapper, producer and “Despacito” singer Daddy Yankee joined volunteers in Caguas today to distribute shelter repair kits to families.
Yankee’s work with Habitat for Humanity and Save the Children is part of his commitment to help Puerto Rico rebuild following Hurricane Maria. He has pledged to donate $250,000 and raise an additional $1.5 million for the recovery.
“Puerto Rico has a long road ahead to recovery, and we need to work together to make sure families across the island get the support they need,” Yankee said. “I’m proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity and Save the Children as we distribute these kits that will help families make immediate repairs to their homes as we prepare for long-term repairs. Please visit habitat.org/daddyyankee to join this recovery.”
Additional photos of Daddy Yankee working in Caguas are available online. Photos may be published with credit to Habitat for Humanity International.
Yankee and other volunteers distributed the first 500 of 2,000 shelter repair kits, which are designed to help low-income families across Puerto Rico make interim repairs to homes damaged by Hurricane Maria. The remaining kits will be distributed in different cities on the island this month. Learn more about the kits.
The shelter repair kits are the first phase of Habitat for Humanity’s Habitat Hammers Back hurricane recovery initiative in Puerto Rico. Habitat has pledged to assist more than 6,000 families in Puerto Rico, Texas and Florida following the devastation of the hurricanes this year. Habitat for Humanity is developing a long-term recovery strategy in Puerto Rico as assessments are performed and conditions permit. More information on Habitat’s hurricane recovery program is available at habitat.org/hurricanes.
Save the Children is leading the distribution of the shelter repair kits in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. The distribution is one part of the international humanitarian organization’s work to help children and families impacted by the hurricanes in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico. In all three locations, Save the Children is helping alleviate immediate needs, restore access to critical child care and education services, and help children overwhelmed by the emergencies to rebound and become more resilient. More information on Save the Children’s hurricane recovery programs is available at savethechildren.org.
About Habitat for Humanity
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 1,300 communities throughout the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.
About Save the Children
Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In United States and around the world, we work every day to give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. When crisis strikes, and children are most vulnerable, we are always among the first to respond and the last to leave. We ensure children’s unique needs are met and their voices are heard. We deliver lasting results for millions of children, including those hardest to reach. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share. To learn more, visit savethechildren.org.