Alexandria, VA – Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA) will participate in relief efforts in Puerto Rico, as the island recovers from some devastating earthquakes that has forced thousands of evacuations and infrastructure damage.
In the days since a powerful 6.4-magnitude earthquake rocked the island, thousands of residents have been displaced. Electricity is still cut off from much of the region.
IRUSA has partnered with New York Disaster interfaith Services (NYDIS), a New York based organization that has helped many island residents who have evacuated previously during other natural disasters, such as Hurricane Maria. Members from IRUSA and NYDIS will be traveling to Puerto Rico this week to distribute emergency aid in the affected areas in collaboration with local partners. IRUSA is also collaborating with Centro Islamico del Caribe.
The organization will also be conducting a needs assessment.
“The people of Puerto Rico need our assistance, as it is obvious that many parts of the island are far from returning to the sense of normalcy that previously existed,” said Syed M. Hassan, communications specialist for Islamic Relief USA. “We want to make sure people are provided help and that we can provide comfort in whatever way possible during this still-difficult period. Our thoughts and prayers are with our fellow sisters and brothers in Puerto Rico.”
The first phase of the visit involves an immediate response to the earthquake, in which items like water, buckets and dried goods will be provided. The second phase will consist of long-term recovery help.
IRUSA will also meet with officials from FEMA and the Puerto Rico Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters.
MEDIA CONTACT
Syed M. Hassan
media@irusa.org or
(703) 370-7246
(571) 421-7032 (cell)
XXX
Islamic Relief USA, based in Alexandria, Va., is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) humanitarian organization. Its mission is to alleviate suffering, hunger, illiteracy and disease regardless of color, race, gender or creed, and to provide aid in a compassionate and dignified manner. Islamic Relief USA aims to provide rapid relief in the event of human and natural disasters and to establish sustainable local development projects, allowing communities to better help themselves. Its programs benefit millions of people each year around the world, including in the United States.
Islamic Relief USA meets all of the Standards for Charity Accountability of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, a national charity monitoring group affiliated with the Better Business Bureau system. Islamic Relief USA is on the U.S. government’s Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) charity list, and it is also a signatory to the code of conduct of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.