As we enter National Preparedness Month this September, we remember people impacted by natural disasters in areas we’ve served. People like Alicia, who fled her home in North Carolina with two special needs children and while expecting her third to avoid destruction from Hurricane Florence or those living in Puerto
Disaster Relief & Recovery
Still Rebuilding: 2 Years Post-Hurricane Maria Puerto Rico, Residents Await Roof Repairs, Other Aid
News reports scatter with ongoing disrepair after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico two years ago. Tarps, for example, still cover many houses as what should have been a temporary roofing solution, but continue to provide shelter for residents. A program called All Hands and Hearts is actively working on “mucking
Community Remembers Carr Fire, With a Dozen Extra Little Ones in Tow
It probably comes as no surprise that we love babies here at Jake’s Diapers, and so a recent news report about the birth of 12 babies within a single fire department this year caught our attention. Nine families in Redding, California, welcomed little ones over the last year - three
It Takes a Village: Long Term Disaster Recovery a Collective Effort
When Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico in 2017, many have criticized the disaster response by the government to support the territory in getting back on its feet. “I think that the fact that we are not a state has essentially given the platform for the Administration to give a different
Hurricane Florence Sends Family Packing, Jake’s Diapers Loan Program Helps the Transition
“We were all stuck, just stuck.” Shortly before Hurricane Florence hit North Carolina September 2018, Alicia Lowe had packed her family and whatever essential belongings they could decide in a matter of hours, to travel to stay with her parents in Tennessee. Alicia and her husband have two children with
Disaster Watch: Will 2019 Turn into Another Record-Setting CA Wildfire Year?
Conditions in California have sparked concern that the state could continue to experience record-setting amounts of wildfires causing damage and destruction for those living there. Eighteen million trees died across California in 2018, according to an article on Vox.com. While tree death is common and this number is actually a
Puerto Rico Recovery Efforts in 2018
The people of Puerto Rico spent a lot of time waiting in 2018. After Hurricane Maria struck in fall 2017, many areas already struggling with poverty were even further devastated — and restoration efforts for electricity, running water and other recovery would be a long time coming. For example, Jake’s
Drop 9: The Episcopal Diocese of Puerto Rico
When a natural disaster strikes, we’re quick to realize the immediate impact: devastation, destruction, and displacement. As time goes on, it’s easy for those far away to forget, to continue with daily life without thinking about lingering consequences. At Jake’s Diapers, we remain actively present in Puerto Rico, supporting individuals
Project Update: Helping Children in Puerto Rico
More than a year after Hurricane Maria devastated already struggling areas in Puerto Rico, families continue to recover in the aftermath that has taken an emotional toll on the country. Crisis hotlines reported an influx of calls near the 1-year anniversary last month - nearly 600 a day. Reports list
Project Update: Hurricane Florence Impact
About a month after Hurricane Florence hit and hovered over North and South Carolina, many in the state remain displaced and struggling with access to basic needs. “We’re still dealing with feeding people that are placed in hotels,” said Jose Ortega, who had been in the area to help people