Over the course of one year, my life changed drastically. In February of 2015, I was homeless and running away from an abusive family environment. By the summer of 2016, I had completed Year Up, found comfortable housing, and had a stable job at a creative firm in the information technology sector. I had also begun training to become an emergency medical technician (EMT).
Then, in the fall of 2017, Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico. I watched the news intently and felt inspired to do more about the situation. Having earned my EMT license, I traveled to Puerto Rico as part of a nine-day relief mission. Before I arrived on the island, I knew no one, but I employed my networking skills and connected with several groups involved in distributing food, water, and other forms of critical aid across the island. The southeastern area of the island was hit the hardest.
During scheduled medical rounds, I worked with a myriad of patients who had received little to no basic supplies or medical attention. Weeks after the hurricane, the nearest hospital, Hospital Ryder, was in shambles. Entire floors were dysfunctional, riddled with leaks and buckets, damaged computers and medical equipment. Even after receiving two generators from the military, Hospital Ryder was still practically inoperable and patients could not be adequately cared for, leaving the hospital a ghost town.
Across the island, a children’s hospital in San Juan received solar panels from Tesla, which took only a week to set up. This inspired a few of us to create a solar energy project for Hospital Ryder. That project now has a name: Generate Some Love, a pending 501(c) (3) non-profit.
Our goal as an organization is to first energize the largest hospital serving the southeastern area with sustainable solar energy systems. Next, educating Puerto Rican youth on solar energy and creating jobs that will help foster economic and environmental stability, and create a sense of trust within the community. Approximately 80% of businesses in the area are small businesses, with the capacity to create job opportunities for young adults who are motivated and want to contribute to rebuilding their community. There is an ever-present positive and resilient spirit among the people of Purto Rico since the hurricanes hit. Now, solar energy will be a catalyst in restoring the spirit of the "Island of Enchantment."
What started out as a nine-day relief mission has quickly turned into a permanent, full-time mission in Puerto Rico. I am devoted to developing relationships, helping to power a new-generation green medical facility, and educating youth on the importance of green energy. The Children's Hospital in San Juan is a prime example of what Puerto Rico should strive for moving forward, but we can’t do it alone. We must work together to create opportunities for Puerto Ricans to rebuild their communities even better than before the hurricane. After all, they know and love their island more than anyone else.
To learn more about Generate Some Love and the work they are doing with solar energy, visit their website here. As well, follow their work on Facebook!
