RESPONSE TO HURRICANE ERICK. We are very grateful that Puerto Escondido was spared much damage from Hurricane Erick (a category 3 hurricane that hit the cost of Oaxaca y Guerrero early Thursday morning). Unfortunately our northwestern neighbors were not. Helping Hands Puerto Escondido are organizing to support them as with our friends at Sembrando Buenas Semillas. The coastal region around Chacahua, Isla Corral and other small coastal towns in the municipalities of Tututepec and Jamiltepec (on the way to Pinotepa and the border of Guerrero) were hardest hit. Many have lost homes (especially homes with simple roofs and folks who mostly lived outside were hit hardest) Most are without power and many of the roads are closed. We are currently collecting donations to make food despensas of bring food, hygiene products and clothing to the most effected communities, as we alway focus on the communities most effected and often forgotten. We had a team delivering 95 packages of supplies yesterday, we sent 25 to Isla Coral, and more deliveries scheduled for this weekend. PLEASE HELP US buy more supplies by donating to our campaign . (We are still 100% volunteer run and 100% of your donation goes straight to purchasing goods. As many of you know we have been working with our amigos for over 5 years continually supplying the community with emergency supplies impacted by the pandemic, personal medical emergencies , fires, and extreme poverty). 

Who we are: We are a volunteer-run grassroots organization made up of both international and Mexican volunteers. We came together in April 2020 as a response to the Covid-19 shutdown that dramatically impacted the tourist-based economy in our town: Puerto Escondido. 

What started as an emergency response to the pandemic in March 2020 grew into a dedicated and inspired initiative, leading us to serve during the 2023 hurricane and continually. Now 5 years later, our important community outreach continues. 

What we do: We specifically focus our efforts on providing support to individuals and families who are directly affected or who have become infected with Covid-19, need to isolate and can't work, who have lost their main breadwinner, and those who can't afford medical care. We provide special care packages to these families, as well as at times providing support covering medical expenses and medications. And we have felt fortunate to be able to help make a difference during such a difficult time. 

Through regular community outreach campaigns, working with our local partners at SBS (Sembrando Buenas Semillas) we have delivered more than 3300 care packages (that feature an array of food and household essentials), delivered clothing to orphanages, and provided assistance to people in our community that could use a helping hand.

Here's where we need your help: We are currently seeking donations to continue to provide direct support to families directly infected or affected by Covid-19. The packages currently cost about $50 and provide a family with essentials for a week, twice as much can help a family that needs to isolate for 2 weeks.  As you can see, a little goes a long way and any support is appreciated . Your donations also help cover medical expenses, medications, and medical equipment for people whose weekly wages aren't enough to come close to the cost required. 

Who will benefit:  Many of Puerto Escondido's most vulnerable members are the hardest hit during this pandemic. Some families have multiple families are who are or have been ill, or are single mothers without financial support to take time off of work or afford medical care. Additionally, many families have suffered losses from Covid and/or have fewer income earners in their families. Many schools have not yet re-opened and the extra burden to pay for childcare or have a family member stay home to care for school-aged children puts ongoing economic strain on families who already have experienced significant losses during the past year. 

Please help us extend a helping hand to those in need and to help resources reach local organizations doing this important work.