Puerto Rico Impact Report
What makes our project sustainable?
Strengthening Communities: Building Homes for a Resilient Future
Building safe, reliable homes protects communities from frequent storms and helps Puerto Rican families stay in their neighborhoods. Many are forced to leave due to unrepaired damage or rising rents driven by gentrification. By providing stable housing, we empower families to remain on the island and thrive.
Community-Led Projects
Community leaders, William and Angel, identify priority projects based on need. Their sustainable model requires those receiving assistance to help rebuild their neighbors’ homes, ensuring long-term impact even after Global Works students leave.
2025 Projects
Casa de Felix
Felix’s current wooden home is vulnerable to storms, putting his family at risk. We’re building a safe, sturdy home from the ground up, providing security and stability for him and his two daughters. The goal is to finish it during our 2025 season!
Casa De Eileen
During our 2024 season, we made significant progress on Eileen’s home, where she lives with her two daughters. This year, our goal is to complete the roof, marking the final step in the project!
2024 Projects
Susana y Ale
Susana and Ale have been dreaming of building a home for themselves and their three children. They have been living in a space that isn’t suitable for a family of five. Not only was the space small but a majority of the home was made of wood which can be dangerous against the harsh hurricanes that frequent the island.
In 2023, our community partners in Villa Del Rio, Angel & William, joined forces with Susana’s family to turn their dream into reality. Through the combined efforts of the community and Global Works student groups, they built a brand new home from the ground up. We’re thrilled to announce that the roof is now in place and the house is officially complete!
Casa de Marisol
Marisol and her family have been working alongside community members for the past 5 years. Due to their dedication to community building, this year we helped add a room to their home for their family.
Casa de Furo
Furo lost his entire house to Hurricane Maria in 2017. Since then Global Works x Villa Del Rio have worked together to build him a safe home. He has been working hard on helping provide the same help to other people in the community.
This year student groups & community members have worked together to continue to provide functional and needed additions to Furo’s house.
Casa De Eileen
Eileen and her two daughters have been living in a very small space that isn’t suitable for 3 people. This year we worked on adding on to their home. We built an add-on that included 3 rooms. This year we successfully completed the rooms and a majority of the floor and ceiling.
In the coming year, we will finish the home by completing the roof. Meanwhile, Eileen’s family will continue to work on the home.
Stay Involved!
Global Works funds essential building materials like wood, rebar, cement, and tools for these projects. However, once a home is complete, families receive no additional support from the government or Global Works. To make their homes fully functional, they must purchase windows, doors, plaster, and paint—expenses that can take years to afford in a low-income community. To help bridge this gap, our program director is working with community members to collect and distribute donations, ensuring these houses truly feel like home.