Philadelphia Leaders Help Raise $200,000 To Aid Hurricane Relief Efforts In Puerto Rico
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Private and public organizations from around the Delaware Valley are teaming up to help the people of Puerto Rico recovering from recent hurricanes.
Shortly after Hurricane Maria and Irma devastated the island of Puerto Rico, officials in Philadelphia made it clear that they would do everything in their power to help displaced residents.
Local groups come together to donate $200k of local aid of hurricane relief for #PuertoRico @KYWNewsradio pic.twitter.com/p43i5bPvms
— Justin Udo (@JustinUdo) October 31, 2017
Joanna Otero-Cruz, the city's Deputy Director of Community Services, says they're living up to that promise.
"We've been able to open up a disaster assistance services center, now going into our fourth week, where we have served more than 500 individuals who have come from Puerto Rico, whom have been displaced because of Hurricane Maria," she said.
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Otero-Cruz says the work at the center has been a coordinated effort between local agencies.
"Such as the Department of Health, Behavior Health Services, the School District of Philadelphia, FEMA, individuals who need assistance, of course, with housing."
Rev. Bonnie Camarda says local agencies and organizations have also been working together with the group Unidos Pa'PR, to get food, supplies and help to people who remain on the island.
"We have raised over $200,000," she said. "It's good to wrap your arms around and do for them."
Next week, a group of people with Unidos Pa'PR are heading to Puerto Rico to bring supplies and help those in need.