About Our Puerto Rico Projects
Fourteen years ago, CCI’s Puerto Rico Project began with just 15 dedicated volunteers from the Community College of Baltimore County.
Since then, together with our wonderful local partners, we’ve tackled disaster relief, environmental restoration, housing resiliency, childhood education, and community-supported agriculture projects. We’ve stood strong through several hurricanes, earthquakes, school closings, covid shutdowns, and economic challenges, making a significant positive impact on the wellbeing of local communities, families, and on our volunteers.
CCI provides all food, lodging, in country transportation, tools, safety equipment, project coordination and insurance so that your volunteer team can focus on completing projects that address disaster relief, community-supported agriculture, youth and family development, and housing support.
Since then, together with our wonderful local partners, we’ve tackled disaster relief, environmental restoration, housing resiliency, childhood education, and community-supported agriculture projects. We’ve stood strong through several hurricanes, earthquakes, school closings, covid shutdowns, and economic challenges, making a significant positive impact on the wellbeing of local communities, families, and on our volunteers.
CCI provides all food, lodging, in country transportation, tools, safety equipment, project coordination and insurance so that your volunteer team can focus on completing projects that address disaster relief, community-supported agriculture, youth and family development, and housing support.
"We have done two service trips with Community Collaboration International to Puerto Rico and love the experience. Each day you do different service projects, have transportation to each site, and get to try authentic Puerto Rican cuisines. The CCI team does great at making this a memorable trip for students!” – Alex Whitmore, Assistant Director, Center for Community Engagement, Indiana State University, December 2022 and March 2023
Disaster Relief and Resiliency
As can be seen in the graph below Puerto Rico is impacted by hurricanes and tropical storms every year. Puerto Rico's unique challenges require a concerted effort to ensure effective recovery and resilience against future storms. Providing support for those impacted by natural disasters and building resiliency is part of everything CCI does in Puerto Rico.
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“We were the first people to walk through that area since Maria hit,” Brennan said. “It highlighted the difficulties and inefficiencies of aid and resource allocation in areas without the ability to get to aid centers because of limited or no access to transportation. Still, the folks we interacted with were kind and helpful.” Taryn Brennan Rochester Institute of Technology, Hurricane Maria Response 2018 |
Environmental Restoration
Engage in activities like working in tree nurseries, conservation and preservation projects in El Yunque National Forest, and participate in marine debris clean ups. All of these projects have a significant positive impact on Puerto Rico’s environment and communities.
Our collective work contributes to environmental sustainability, community resilience, and the well-being of both people and nature. By working together to protect and restore Puerto Rico’s natural resources, volunteers play a vital role in building a more sustainable and resilient future for the island.
Why is this work important?
Our collective work contributes to environmental sustainability, community resilience, and the well-being of both people and nature. By working together to protect and restore Puerto Rico’s natural resources, volunteers play a vital role in building a more sustainable and resilient future for the island.
Why is this work important?
“El Yunque is not only a crucial ecosystem for Puerto Rico, but it’s also a symbol of our rich natural heritage. Restoring and preserving this unique forest is essential for the island’s biodiversity, water resources, and the well-being of our communities. Volunteer efforts play a significant role in helping us achieve these goals and ensure a sustainable future for El Yunque National Forest.” says Carlos M. Rodríguez-Rivera, Forest Supervisor of El Yunque National Forest.
Housing Support
Housing reconstruction projects in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria are crucial for addressing immediate humanitarian needs, promoting community resilience, fostering economic recovery, and building a more sustainable and equitable future for all residents.
Why is this work important?
“Safe and comfortable housing is essential for the well-being of our older adults. With the challenges Puerto Rico has faced in recent years, many elderly individuals find themselves living in inadequate conditions. Supporting housing rehabilitation projects is an important way to ensure that our seniors can age with dignity and security in their own homes.” says Carmen S. Morales, Director of the Puerto Rico Office for the Elderly Affairs
“The ongoing out-migration of our youth has left a significant gap in our society, making the elderly more vulnerable and in greater need of assistance. Supporting older adults in Puerto Rico is crucial for their well-being and for maintaining the social fabric of our communities.” says Margarita Irizarry, Executive Director of La Asociación Puertorriqueña de Personas Mayores
Community Supported Agriculture
Engage in activities assisting local agriculture to help lower the amount of food imported.
Why is this work important?
Why is this work important?
“Community-supported agriculture is a critical component in addressing food security and promoting sustainable agriculture in Puerto Rico. By investing in local food systems, we can foster stronger communities, increase access to fresh produce, and reduce our dependence on imported goods. Volunteers who contribute to these projects are helping to create a more resilient and self-sufficient Puerto Rico.” says José A. Rivera, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Farm Bureau.
Early Childhood Education
Why is this work important?
“In the context of Puerto Rico’s ongoing challenges, providing quality early childhood education is more critical than ever. It’s essential to nurture the cognitive, emotional, and social development of our young children, laying a strong foundation for their future success. Support from volunteers and organizations can make a significant difference in ensuring equitable access to quality early education for all children on the island.” says Jorge A. Casillas, Executive Director of the Association of Early Childhood Education
Puerto Rico Sample 8 Day - Project Plan
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Day 1 ➤ Arrival at Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport pick up 5pm ➤ Transfer to Volunteer Facility ➤ Dinner at Volunteer Facility Orientation |
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Day 2 ➤ Breakfast at Volunteer Facility ➤ Rainforest Trail Maintenance Project ➤ Lunch ➤ Continue Project ➤ Dinner at Volunteer Facility |
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Day 3 ➤ Breakfast at Volunteer Facility ➤ Housing Improvement Project ➤ Lunch ➤ Continue Project ➤ Dinner at Volunteer Facility |
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Day 4 ➤ Breakfast at Volunteer Facility ➤ Housing Improvement Project ➤ Lunch ➤ Continue Project ➤ Dinner at Volunteer Facility |
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Day 5 ➤ Breakfast at Volunteer Facility ➤ Community Agriculture Project ➤ Lunch ➤ Continue Project ➤ Dinner at Volunteer Facility |
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Day 6 ➤ Breakfast at Volunteer Facility ➤ Onsite Camp Improvement Projects ➤ Lunch ➤ Visit Boys and Girls Club ➤ Dinner at Volunteer Facility |
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Day 7 ➤ Breakfast at Volunteer Facility ➤ Explore El Escambrón Beach Coral Reef and learn about challenges to Puerto Rico's coral reefs. ➤ Dinner at Volunteer Facility |
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Day 8 ➤ Breakfast at Volunteer Facility ➤ Prep for Departure ➤ Drop at the airport 2 hours before the flight |
Project Service Fee
The Project Service Fee of $148 per person per day includes all food, lodging, in country transportation, full time volunteer coordinator, project materials, liability insurance, and a educational/recreational activity. *This is a sample project plan which can be customed to meet the goals of your team*
As you can see we have lots to do in Puerto Rico please send a volunteer team.
The Project Service Fee of $148 per person per day includes all food, lodging, in country transportation, full time volunteer coordinator, project materials, liability insurance, and a educational/recreational activity. *This is a sample project plan which can be customed to meet the goals of your team*
As you can see we have lots to do in Puerto Rico please send a volunteer team.
Other Ways to Help
Not everyone can dedicate a week of their life to travel to these communities suffering from disaster like our student volunteers do, but most people can chip in so we can make the most of their volunteer efforts.
Funds are always needed to buy building materials and hire electricians and plumbers, so our teams can get the job done.
Funds are always needed to buy building materials and hire electricians and plumbers, so our teams can get the job done.
