Southwest Community Network

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Pastor Benjie
Spotlight

RPN Partners with Community to Lead Resiliency Efforts in Guanica, Puerto Rico

By January 2020, Guánica, Puerto Rico, suffered the ravage of several earthquakes that caused economic and housing instability and marked the lives of residents. For Pastor Benjamín Toro (Pastor Benjie), it was the beginning of a new stage in his life as he stepped into a role as the pastor for the Bet-El Council of Puerto Rico.

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Overview

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Despite the beauty and its richness in natural resources, the Southwest area of Puerto Rico currently lives the most difficult times in regards of socioeconomic development. This is due to several natural disasters occurred in recent years, including hurricanes, earthquakes, and landslides. In addition, the COVID 19 pandemic has taken its toll on the region as well.  

These disasters and the pandemic have caused significant damage to the area's infrastructure, homes, and businesses, and have disrupted the lives of residents. It is worth mentioning the southwest area of Puerto Rico has a relatively high poverty rate and a low median household income compared to other areas of the island. The area has also faced job losses in recent years, particularly in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors.

The Southwest Community Network, with the collaboration of local government, community-based and non-profit organizations are working in the identification of the most crucial needs across the Region. The goal is to find a common benefit for all the communities within the Region, and to support the socio-economic development of the region.

 

Image of southwest Puerto Rico View Demographic Profile

Recent News

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Priorities

  • Safe and Affordable Housing

    • Repair, improvement, and replacement
    • Single family housing for low- & median-income families

  • Economic development

    • Business Incubators
    • Safe Commercial Buildings

  • Workforce Development

    • Transportation
    • Vo-tech opportunities in school setting (agricultural focus)
    • Affordable Childcare for working families

  • Resiliency Plans

    • Safe Rooms
    • Multipurpose/ Resiliency Centers

  • Food Security

    • Household Protein Production
    • Community Food Banks

  • Infrastructure

    • Inadequate flood control structures
    • Flood damage to residential properties
    • Extend service area

  • Broadband

    • Extend service area

  • Water access

    • Community Aqueducts

  • Energy

    • Community microgrids
    • Stable power service

  • Healthcare

    • 24 hours Clinic Services
    • Staff for these clinics

Rural Partners Network Contacts for Southwest Community Network

Host Entity

Fundación Bucarabón
Jacqueline Pérez
contact@fundacionbucarabon.org
Phone:(939) 299-4166

Partners

City of Mayagüez
City of Maricao
City of Guánica
One Stop Career Center of Puerto Rico, Inc.
Unidos por la Comunidad Arenas
Centro para la Reconstrucción del Hábitat
Acción Comunal Siberia
Consorcio del Sur CONSUR
Esperanza de la Esperanza