Puerto Rico is in recovery after Hurricane Maria slammed the island on September 20, knocking out nearly all of its power and leaving many without access to food and water. According to the New York Times, Maria also leveled farms across Puerto Rico, which a farmer told the Times will leave the island without food.
And while the U.S. still exerts control over Puerto Rico, on September 26 it refused to lift restrictions that would make it easier to get supplies to the country, further complicating the relief effort. Lifting those restrictions, Reuters reports, would have made it easier to get aid and fuel to Puerto Rico, which the United States has been slow to do.
Be educated on Puerto Rico’s status as a U.S. territory.
According to the New York Times, only 54% of Americans know that Puerto Ricans are fellow citizens.
In New York City, there are various locations accepting supply donations for Puerto Rico, including police and fire stations.
If you can, donate money.
It’s important to research any organization you donate money to, though.