Keys for first completely rebuilt home in Puerto Rico presented to homeowner.

Joany has lived through many hurricanes, but Maria was one of the worst — destroying many homes in the Puerto Rican village of Villa Esperanza, including Joany’s. From a friend’s home in another village, Joany could see everything being blown away at home.

“It was a really crazy experience, because coming back and not having anything and seeing everything destroyed, you feel like you have nothing else to hold onto,” Joany says.

Convoy of Hope arrived in Puerto Rico just days after Hurricane Maria struck the island and began distributing relief supplies to families in need. As the response transitioned from meeting immediate needs to longterm relief, Convoy began helping repair and rebuild homes destroyed by the storm.

Groups from all over the U.S. came to Puerto Rico in partnership with Convoy as Field Teams. The teams helped in the rebuilding houses around Villa Esperanza — from laying the foundation to the final coat of paint.

Joany’s house was the first of many to be completed in that area. As the Convoy team handed Joany the keys to her new home she was overcome with happiness.

“I started to cry,” says Joany of the moment she received the keys to her new home. “But I was crying happy tears, because I have a house.”

The continued support of people like you makes these moments of hope possible. For Joany and many others in Puerto Rico, home is where the hope is.

June 1 marks the first day of the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Last year’s hurricane season was one of the most destructive in recent history, including 17 named storms, six of which became major hurricanes.

Convoy of Hope has served an estimated 1.4 million people affected by the 2017 hurricane season. Convoy continues to serve those affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Maria, as long-term recovery efforts continue in Texas and Puerto Rico.

Families in Puerto Rico continue to struggle with power issues, as parts of the island still lose power 2 to 3 times a week. Many there still struggle to repair or completely rebuild their homes from the damages of Hurricane Maria.

Your continued support helps bring relief to those who are most vulnerable to the possible upcoming storms. You can help by donating at convoy.org/donate.