La Fondita de Jesús, Direct Relief partner to help vulnerable communities
La Fondita de Jesús, a nonprofit dedicated to aiding homeless and vulnerable communities in Puerto Rico, has partnered with Direct Relief to fill health care service gaps for the island’s marginalized populations.
This collaboration aims to provide accessible, quality health services to homeless individuals, families with children, the elderly and other disadvantaged groups, the nonprofit stated.
Starting in April, the initiative will reach seven municipalities, including Vieques, Maricao, Utuado, Humacao, San Juan, Toa Baja and Canóvanas. These areas are recognized for their health service needs and significant populations of homeless and elderly residents.
“Instead of waiting for people to come to us, we’re going to go to them, to provide them with the service they deserve,” said Josué Maysonet-Colón, executive director of La Fondita de Jesús.
“There are thousands of people in Puerto Rico who, due to lack of economic resources or vulnerability factors, cannot access these essential services. Our focus is to reach where vulnerable communities are and provide them with the support they need,” Maysonet added.
La Fondita de Jesús will mobilize health professionals and volunteers for door-to-door medical care and essential services, with Direct Relief providing financial support and resources to address health service disparities in vulnerable communities.
“As a support organization, Direct Relief works hand in hand with nonprofit entities to improve the quality of life and health of vulnerable populations by facilitating access to health services,” said Ivonne Rodríguez-Wiewall, Direct Relief’s executive adviser for Puerto Rico.
“For the past three years, we have been collaborating with La Fondita de Jesús in communities in the southern area, and the municipal islands of Vieques and Culebra, holding health fairs to address those social determinants that prevent people from receiving health services,” she said.
“We know that the need to mobilize these services and expand community development in these communities persists. It is for this reason, and recognizing the commitment of La Fondita de Jesús, that we reiterate our support through this alliance to continue closing the gaps in access to quality health services,” Rodríguez-Wiewall added.
