By Kristal Ibarra-Rodriguez | Fundraising & Development Chair
Hello, GlobalGiving Friends!
As you may know, we at PRoTechos have a dual mission– to rebuild roofs while strengthening Puerto Rico’s workforce. Apprentices build climate resilient roofs as part of their training and leave the program with much needed carpentry skills, moving on to work in a related field and reducing the massive carpentry shortage in Puerto Rico. For this update, we’d like to share the story of a trainee turned foreman and her friendship with an elderly recipient of one of our recent roof reconstruction projects.
After 10 years of living away from her homeland, Franceliz recently moved back to Puerto Rico. Upon returning, she came across PRoTechos’ Learn and Earn program and was so invested in our mission that, upon completion of her three month carpentry training, she joined our staff as a foreman. In her current role, she trains others in carpentry skills while building roofs for impoverished families in Puerto Rico.
Franceliz and her crew of trainees recently worked to reconstruct the roof of an 81 year old resident of Puente Blanco, Catano. Jesus was referred to us by his neighbor, who was worried that Jesus’ living situation would exacerbate his existing health conditions.
Re-roofing was a challenge. His old zinc roof had different levels and complex issues. Over the span of construction, Franceliz and Jesus built a collegial and friendly relationship. Franceliz ensured that her crew was sensitive to Don Jesus’ living conditions, as his home was in dire need of repair. Jesus is forever appreciative of the heartfelt dedication that Franceliz and her team put into repairing his home. They continued to check on Jesus long after the project was over to make sure he was okay and remind him not to skip lunch.
PRoTechos has built over 125 roofs and is eager to continue to bring a sense of normalcy to families in need. Your continued support makes this and more possible - One Roof at a Time.
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