Disaster Resettlement

Beginning on December 28, 2019 and progressing into 2020, the southwestern part of Puerto Rico was struck with a series of earthquakes, with 11 that were magnitude 5 or higher. On January 16, 2020, the US government announced a Major Disaster Declaration for Puerto Rico. In the aftermath of the earthquakes in Puerto Rico, Junta began to receive families from Puerto Rico early January. As of February 7, 2020, Junta has provided services to 91 individuals, including children, adults and elderly. All 91 individuals are temporarily residing with relatives. Junta has provided assistance to new arrivals that includes: SNAP; cash assistance; health insurance; transportation (i.e. bus passes); immediate medical referral to clinic or hospital; housing application assistance; school registration (referral to NHPS); and ESL classes.