Nearly nine years after Hurricane María, many Puerto Ricans still lack a proper roof, according to Amarilis González Rodríguez, who founded Techos Pa' Mi Gente after being frustrated by the government’s weak 2017 response. The organization, which relies entirely on donations and takes no federal, state, or municipal funds, has rebuilt 143 homes but has hundreds—possibly thousands—still on its waiting list.
González Rodríguez, a former public school teacher of 17 years, said construction material costs have risen 60%, with the first roof costing about $5,000 versus roughly $18,000 for the most recent one; the group charges nothing for its work. The initiative began as Toldos Pa' Mi Gente in the Carraízo neighborhood of Trujillo Alto after González Rodríguez’s viral social media post prompted tarp donations from Australia, Mexico, and China.
It has since grown into a physical community space in San Juan offering laundry, water, hot meals, and nature access. On Saturday, the group held its traditional open house, featuring a Health and Science Fair with informational tables, vaccines, flu tests, a butterfly and insect exhibit, storytelling, and massages. The Fideicomiso para Ciencia, Tecnología e Investigación de Puerto Rico’s Vector Control Unit educated attendees on Aedes aegypti mosquito control and dengue prevention. Participant Felícita Tapia Adames, 85, praised her neighbors’ generosity.