Hurricane Maria Relief Information

Hurricane Maria Relief and Recovery

We helped people heal, rebuild and recover as well as strengthen impacted communities through resiliency programs.

In 2017, Hurricane Maria was the third devastating storm to strike the U.S. in less than a month. It was the most intense hurricane to hit Puerto Rico in more than 80 years, causing devastating losses for residents and massive damage to key infrastructure across the island.

Since the Recovery projects first started in 2018, the Red Cross has worked with numerous partners to deliver solutions to these challenges in Puerto Rico. Our recovery efforts have included four key areas: consistent power, clean water, community health and community resiliency.

Read the Hurricane Maria Two-Year Update >>

Lea Huracán María Actualización a Dos Años >>

(published September 2019)

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Thank You

The extraordinary generosity of the public helped hundreds of thousands in need after Hurricane Maria.

“I did not know the magnitude of the help of the Red Cross until I had to be helped…I urge everyone to donate so they can continue to help others.”

Carlos Cruz, Toa Baja, Puerto Rico

Consistent Power: Over 130 schools that serve as shelters have solar panels and batteries installed.

Community Heath: Over 145,000 adults and children have received health and mental health services and disaster preparedness training.

Clean Water: Over 22 community wells powered with solar panels and batteries

Community Resiliency: 450 farmers received micro-grants for their farms.

Our Long-Term Recovery Program in Puerto Rico

Your Gifts Brought Help and Hope to People during Response and Recovery

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Red Cross volunteers distribute water, food and other basic necessities to families affected by Hurricane Maria.

September 24, 2017 - Toa Baja, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico

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Red Cross volunteers distribute water, food and other basic necessities to families affected by Hurricane Maria.

September 26, 2017 - Adjuntas, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico

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Red Cross volunteers distribute water, food and other basic necessities to families affected by Hurricane Maria.

September 27, 2017 - Naguabo, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico

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By setting up mobile satellites, the Red Cross is helping Puerto Ricans to reconnect with loved ones, inform family members of their safety, charge their phones, and access information on the internet.

September 27, 2017 - Commonwealth of Puerto Rico

The University of Puerto Rico Medical Science Campus in a health fair in Coamo, Puerto Rico where they used telemedicine equipment and conducted health screenings.

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One of our partners, the University of Puerto Rico Medical Science Campus in a health fair in Coamo, Puerto Rico where they used telemedicine equipment and conducted health screenings, among others health checks to the community. Photo by Iris Medero/ American Red Cross.

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Jaycob, age 4, received a humidifier and an oximeter from the Red Cross after Hurricane Maria. The latter has since helped him avoid a serious health complication. Photo by the American Red Cross.

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Red Cross volunteer Jeffrey Rodríguez and Britney Rivera showcase some of Britney’s work from the Pillowcase Project, a program that prepares children for disasters and emergencies. Photo by Iris Medero/American Red Cross.

Students from Lutgarda Rivera Reyes School participated in the Prepare with Pedro workshop.

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Students from Lutgarda Rivera Reyes School that participated of the Insituto Nueva Escuela after-school program received our Prepare with Pedro workshop to teach them about disaster preparedness and how to manage their emotions after the hurricane.

Red Cross volunteers talking to a farmer outside.

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With the support of the Puerto Rico Science and Technology Trust, we awarded micro-grants to 450 full-time farmers over the last year.

Photo by the American Red Cross

A Red Cross volunteer at a farmer's apiary.

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U.S. Armed Forces veteran Alexander Coss was one of the farmers that received micro grants where he was able to purchase supplies and equipment for his apiary. Photo by the American Red Cross

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Carmen Umpierre and Carlos Cruz talk with Red Cross workers, Humberto Román and Iris Medero about the drone assessment they received for their farm, Finca Noa, as part of Hurricane Maria recovery efforts.

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Community leader Maribel Torres speaks with Red Cross volunteers about her community well, which is now powered by a solar micro-grid from the Red Cross. Photo by The American Red Cross.

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Teacher Ramón Arroyo from the Angelita Delgado Sella School in Lares, explains the benefits these solar panels will have for more than 450 students from the school.

Your Support Helped People in Need

“I am very grateful to all of you, because without the oximeter, I would not have noticed that my son’s heartbeats dropped. Many thanks to Red Cross donors…it’s been a big help for us.”

Stephanie Narváez

Hurricane Maria Expenses and Commitments

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Support Disaster Relief Efforts

The Red Cross honors donor intent and all donations earmarked for Disaster Relief will be used to help people affected by disasters, big and small. Americans work hard for their money, and we’re committed to being the very best stewards of our donors’ dollar. The Red Cross keeps our expenses low and an average of 90 cents of every dollar we spend is invested in delivering care and comfort to those in need.

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