Western New York making a difference in Puerto Rico 7 months later

The President of Hispanic Heritage Council of Western New York, Casimiro Rodriguez recorded an 11 minute YouTube video of his hometown in Puerto Rico, where they are starting to get power once again following Hurricanes Maria and Irma. 

“Patillas, Puerto Rico has been without power since Irma,” Rodriguez said. 

Rodriguez goes through neighborhoods talking to families who lived upwards to seven months without lights. Many folks using generators to power up their homes and businesses. 

“We trust God that during this time that we celebrate passover we will be blessed with electricity,” one lady said. 

Power crews are on the ground from as far as North Carolina trying to restore power. One lady in the video says the community prepares meals for the electricians. 

There are at least 150,000 Puerto Rican businesses and homes still without power. Back in October nearly $70,000 was raised during a telethon on 7 Eyewitness News. Money that’s used for recovery efforts Efforts that are bringing a lot of joy to thousands of families. 

“We thank you all,” one Puerto Rican girl said. 

To watch the video in its entirety click Cas Rodriguez