Puerto Rico will never be the same. Although it will always be “La Isla del Encanto”, it’s beaches and people will be dramatically affected for years to come. What the Island has experienced, is far worse than anyone can convey via Facebook posts and press conferences. The Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FSHCC), in partnership with Latino Leadership (LL), is committed to helping families reunify in Central Florida and restart their lives through the most seamless transition possible.
The FSHCC and LL partnership is coming together for the people of Puerto Rico. Both organization’s deep roots in Florida, serving the Hispanic community, provide the ideal synergy for families relocating to the State of Florida. Already boasting an established network of resources to facilitate a seamless as possible transition, it is the goal of both organizations to ensure that families are connected to vital resources to facilitate integration into Florida’s framework and economy.
Conservative estimates put the exodus of Puerto Ricans close to 100,000. These families will require assistance regaining normalcy. FSHCC and LL anticipate the major functions of the Puerto Rico Family Response Center to be:
- Emergency Relief Items
- Employment Services
- Education Placement
- Health Referrals
- Disaster Relief Paperwork
- Housing Assistance and Rental Information
The Puerto Rico Family Response Center will be located at Latino Leadership’s headquarters. The office address is 8617 E. Colonial Drive, Suite 1200, Orlando, FL 32817. Current organizational offerings include housing counseling, a 10-person computer lab, and special needs services, in addition to a robust referral services network. This response center will amplify the organization’s current commitment to enrichment services.
A team of qualified individuals will serve as the liaison between displaced families and community resources. FSHCC’s network of business members will serve as a vital resource for connecting evacuees with employment opportunities throughout the state. An important distinction to make, is that newly arrived Puerto Ricans are US citizens and will be able to join the workforce upon arrival.
For information on how you can help, please visit www.PRFamilyResponse.com or contact us at info@PRFamilyResponse.com.