September 2017 Areas Assisted: U.S.V.I. & Puerto Rico
When two consecutive Category 5 hurricanes hit Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2017, the destruction to the island chain was unprecedented.
Large organizations were falling short in providing immediate assistance given the logistical barriers to entry and unknown conditions of the territory. We were in contact via satellite phone with residents in the Virgin Islands, proximally impacted by both storms, and we were able to assess the situation remotely. With this information, we put together a list of items needed and pursued getting clearance into the closed airports of St. Croix, St. Thomas, San Juan, Ponce, and Vieques.
UPDATE: We’ve done a lot more work since this video was created so the numbers presented in the video are no longer accurate. The figures you see further down this page are correct.
SWIFT AID FOR U.S.V.I. & PUERTO RICO
Aviation For Disaster Relief
Our first large monetary donation came from The Glasscock Family Foundation, pioneering our inaugural flight. From that initial investment, we expanded to provide thousands of pounds of food, water, and supplies to hundreds of families, to complete more than 160 evacuations and to coordinate more than 15 relief flights.
16+ relief flights in Pilatus PC-12 aircraft
$70,000 of long-term recovery grants awarded to local organizations
160 + evacuations
16,500 pounds of supplies delivered
Provided chainsaws to crews, medical supplies to health clinic, tarps, generators and food to families.
SUPPORTING USVI & PUERTO RICO WITH LONGTERM RECOVERY
Community Empowerment
Because of the devastation we observed in Puerto rico and USVI, supporting areas affected by disaster after our initial response became an important part of our mission.
Two roofs were replaced for elderly individuals who could not afford the repairs
Two churches were repaired in Puerto Rico
Built one new playground
Funded furniture for 8 families with children
In total: $70k+ in donations, vetted and granted to St. Croix, St. Thomas, and Puerto Rico
Get Involved
From ground volunteers and corporate donors to volunteer pilots and individual donors, we depend on our supporters to accomplish our mission.
To provide immediate, efficient, and effective disaster relief via our aviation network in collaboration with partner organizations. To empower communities through education and sustainable efforts that support long-term recovery and resiliency.
