Hello, hello, hello!

Lin Miranda here. When Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in the fall of
2017, I wrote to you asking for your help. And you and fellow MoveOn
members responded in droves. Today, I write to you again, John,
because Puerto Rico is again facing a climate emergency.

Since December 28, 2019, a series of earthquakes has been impacting the
southwest region of the island, displacing thousands of families,
crippling the local economy, destroying vital infrastructure, and further
delaying the ongoing rebuilding process that started in the catastrophic
aftermath of Hurricane Maria.^1

For nearly two months, hundreds of earthquakes and aftershocks (sometimes
dozens per day) have been registered. Widespread damage occurred with the
largest earthquake so far, 6.4 on the Richter scale.^2

Two months later, schools and businesses remain shut, homes remain
destroyed and/or compromised, and families remain in shelters or living in
tents, while local authorities struggle to provide relief and push forward
with cleanup and rebuilding. Anxiety only grows as the earth continues to
tremble daily, multiple times, including when least expected.

Two months later, the cameras are gone. The support Puerto Rico was
getting from so many friends in the United States and around the world has
moved on. Once more, Puerto Rico is left to help itself while Washington
and the Republican administration block aid for the island.^3

Our fellow American citizens in Puerto Rico need our help.

As in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, the Hispanic Federation's UNIDOS
Disaster Relief and Recovery Program has a team on the ground that is
providing emergency relief and long-term support to those affected by the
earthquake in Puerto Rico and the ensuing aftershocks through their
network of community-based organizations.



[ [link removed] ]The Hispanic Federation's UNIDOS Disaster Relief and Recovery Program
needs your help to continue this crucial work. Will you donate
$3? 100% of your donation will go to their work helping with
disaster relief in Puerto Rico. Click here to make a tax-deductible gift.



We've shown up in the streets across New York City, Philadelphia, and
Washington, D.C., demanding that the Trump administration release its hold
on disaster relief for Hurricane Maria.^4,5

Let's continue to show up for our fellow citizens. Let's continue to help
Puerto Rico rise up.

Siempre,

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Sources: 

1. "A deadly earthquake has most of Puerto Rico with no power, no water
and residents fear tremors will bring more destruction," CNN, January 7,
2020
[link removed]

2. Ibid.

3. "The continuing disaster aid crisis in Puerto Rico, explained," Vox,
February 24, 2020
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4. "President Trump lifts hold on $8 billion for Puerto Rico; Protests
held in New York City," ABC7 New York, January 15, 2020
[link removed]

5. "Months After Blowing Deadline, Trump Administration Lifts Hold On
Puerto Rico Aid," NPR, January 15, 2020
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