Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced the start of the 2019 New York Stands with Puerto Rico Recovery and Rebuilding Initiative, deploying 50 SUNY and CUNY volunteers to Puerto Rico on winter break to work with non-profit partners to clean, restore and rebuild damaged homes. Additionally, as part of the new disaster mental health initiative announced in September 2018, a small team of SUNY, CUNY and UNICEF USA experts will convene a diverse group of experts and organizations in Puerto Rico to create an action plan to expand trauma-informed mental health support across the island.
"New York has stood with Puerto Rico since day one, and we will not leave our fellow Americans behind while the federal government continues to ignore their needs," Governor Cuomo said. "This new deployment of volunteers will not only help rebuild the island stronger and more resilient than before, it will provide much-needed mental health support to individuals still suffering from the trauma of the disaster and Washington's ineffective response."
The Governor committed to sending 500 SUNY and CUNY volunteers in 2019, which builds upon last summer's effort that deployed more than 650 SUNY and CUNY students, as well as skilled labor volunteers, to assist communities still recovering from Hurricanes Maria and Irma. Over the course of five deployments, volunteers logged in nearly 41,000 hours to clean, restore, and rebuild homes. The goal to renovate 150 homes was far exceeded, with a total of 178 homes restored over 10 weeks.
The deployment of approximately 10 experts builds upon initial assessment work conducted by the SUNY New Paltz Institute for Disaster Mental Health in November in partnership with UNICEF USA. This new initiative will focus on helping children and families cope with the trauma caused by Hurricane Maria, providing sustainable support that can continue even after relief volunteers leave the island.
New York State Secretary of State Rossana Rosado, Co-chair of the NY Stands with Puerto Rico Rebuilding and Reconstructing Committee said, "While we have made great strides in helping our neighbors in Puerto Rico rebuild and recover, there is much more work to do. New York has stood with Puerto Rico in the face of disaster and in the face of a lackluster federal response. We will continue to support the island, its infrastructure, and its residents, who are our fellow Americans."
Click here for the full announcement.
Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
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