The BPC Matthew 25 Disaster Recovery Team had a remarkable week focused on rebuilding homes and communities in Puerto Rico. Recovery efforts from Hurricane Maria are still ongoing, and the team was able to support ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening resilience against future natural disasters. Below is an overview of each project, along with project photos that showcase the work of each team. Your ongoing support and generosity make this vital work possible, helping individuals and families stay in their homes, avoid homelessness, and mitigate the impact of increasingly severe natural disasters.
Project #1 Overview: Techos Pa Mi Gente Headquarters | Led by the team called The New Monsters—OH!
This dedicated team embarked on an ambitious mission to replace the leaky roof of one of the storage buildings at Techos Pa Mi Gente (TPMG) headquarters, our hosts for this trip. In a previous renovation, the TPMG team triumphantly installed a roof on the front set of apartments, and the challenge was to replicate that impressive design.
From the outset, the project presented unique hurdles. The building’s sturdy concrete structure required the new roof to be secured in a manner that could withstand the fierce winds of a hurricane. To further complicate matters, the presence of I-bars within the concrete made it a true test to find optimal attachment points for the roof.
The beginning of the week proved to be a challenge as the team navigated numerous trials and errors. However, their perseverance paid off. By the week’s end, they successfully erected all the trusses, leaving behind comprehensive instructions for the next team to tackle the finishing touches, including plywood installation, rain and water shields, and metal sheets.
In addition to their primary responsibility, the team embraced meaningful side tasks, such as cleaning the job site and constructing a beautiful butterfly house.
This team had a unique opportunity to work alongside Johann Zimmermann, the original engineer who designed the roof that TPMG volunteers have come to rely on for all their installations. This collaboration enriched their experience and deepened their connection to the project and the community they serve.
Project #2 Overview: First Home in Loíza, Puerto Rico | Led by the team called The Land Sharks!
This project marked a meaningful continuation of TPMG’s collaboration with the Mennonite Disaster Service, aimed at providing hope and shelter to those in need. The home was designed for a single man whose family lived at the front of the property. It was envisioned as a cozy one-room studio apartment with a bathroom.
Upon the team’s arrival, they discovered that three walls had already been framed, and the roof had been rebuilt using new trusses and plywood. The tasks ahead included framing the final wall, installing three new windows, constructing the interior wall for the bathroom, completing the T1-11 siding, laying down a rain and water shield, and metal sheeting for the roof.
The team navigated the unique challenge of working in a compact space shared with nearby homeowners in an alleyway, which presented additional safety concerns. The narrowness of the alley made two-way traffic difficult, requiring extra vigilance and cooperation.
With the guidance of Edgar from TPMG, the team effectively tackled most of the project, leaving only a few final touches—such as the ridge cap and some caulking—for the dedicated TPMG team to complete after their departure. This project restored a home and strengthened community bonds, showcasing the spirit of collaboration and resilience.
Project #3 Overview: Second Home in Loíza, Puerto Rico | All Hands On Deck!
This project unfolded with an air of anticipation, marked by bursts of activity throughout the week, as a steady team was not consistently present on-site.
On Monday, a small group arrived at the project site, ready to roll up their sleeves for trash pick-up and demolition. Their efforts, however, came to a halt when someone discovered that a light and outlet were dangerously hot. This prompted an urgent call for an electrician to ensure safety before any further demolition could continue.
As the week progressed, a new team arrived to tackle the demolition, successfully making headway on the roof. They uncovered some stubborn rebar that would require additional tools, presenting a challenge requiring ingenuity.
By Friday, the atmosphere buzzed with accomplishment as the final roof demolition was completed. The team turned their attention to crafting the baseplate for the trusses, diligently building and securing it to the house’s concrete siding.
Looking ahead, the next team from TPMG will step into this vibrant scene, ready to construct the trusses, secure them to the baseplate, and advance toward installing essential roofing materials like plywood and sheeting. The journey continues, and the promise of transformation is just around the corner.
In Conclusion
The M25 team participated in activities beyond recovery work throughout the trip. On Sunday, they attended a church service at Iglesia Presbiteriana, where one team member read a Bible passage in Spanish. Congregation members also offered prayers for the team and the work they were about to undertake. The team also celebrated Larry’s birthday, and on Wednesday evening, they came together to learn Bomba, a popular cultural dance in Puerto Rico. Several M25 team members set out to explore Old San Juan to wrap up the week and unwind on Friday evening.
Overall, this trip provided a different experience than past M25 disaster recovery trips in Puerto Rico. There were many new faces, with several team members joining from churches other than BPC. The week started slowly; however, everyone had grown closer by the end, the work teams had established a good rhythm, and gratitude and thankfulness prevailed.
