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To call the days that followed Hurricane Maria a humanitarian crisis would be an understatement. Once they realized they had escaped the 150 MPH winds, torrential downpour, and flooding, most Puerto Ricans were just happy to be alive. Many awoke to the devastating reality of flooded homes, roads, and bridges underwater, roofs, walls and homes blown away, and no electricity or plumbing and little to no prospects for anything changing anytime soon. Then the reality of ‘what next’ became apparent and survival became the immediate goal.

Puerto Rico is a place where it can take hours to do simple things like get a driver’s license, even on good days and making no excuses for storms or power outages. Puerto Rico’s governments at every level are notoriously slow and inefficient at even routine tasks. While FEMA and Governor Rosello have deservedly been lauded for their efforts in the recovery, many citizens, churches, and other civic groups chose not to wait for the government to help their neighbors.

They recognized that regardless of the success and massive support by the federal government and FEMA, there would always be voids and people suffering that government efforts could not reach. That is not a criticism of FEMA; it is a recognition of the challenges of humanitarian efforts anywhere.

A church fills the void and unites a community along the way

USA Herald has found a group of people helping to ease the pain they and their neighbors have endured.  Led by a Pastor and his Presbyterian church, this remarkable group stepped in to fill the void. Trinity-Puerto Rico has provided leadership, love, food, cleaning supplies, diapers, and many, many more items to support its neighbors following the storm. Perhaps more than anything, Trinity and its Pastor, Bruce Clark have provided something that costs nothing to their fellow citizens – and that is hope.

For those who may wonder what void FEMA and government efforts would leave, nearly three weeks after Maria, with one exception, the residents of every neighborhood served by Trinity have said, "You're the first help we've seen.” On a regular basis, Pastor Clark's group loads three or four vans with non-perishable food, water, boxed milk, toiletries, and medicine, typically valued between $5 and $10,000.

These goods are paid for by donations. They are taken immediately to either the hardest hit neighborhoods OR various community leaders, social workers, religious leaders, or community organizers, empowering these groups to mobilize volunteers with resources to serve the neighborhoods they know best. This means the right supplies go to the right people, right now.