SBP is Driving Momentum on the Road to Recovery in Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Aug. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In efforts led by SBP, Toyota donated a fleet of 10 trucks before the first class of AmeriCorps members joined SBP's long-term recovery operations on the island. The addition of 23 local AmeriCorps members and Toyota trucks will enable SBP to expand its rebuilding services.

"AmeriCorps and Toyota have been consistent partners in recovery," said Zack Rosenburg, SBP Co-founder and CEO. "The exemplary service of AmeriCorps is the foundation of our disaster recovery success, and we're thrilled to have Toyota's continued support in helping to drive impact for the families devastated by Hurricane Maria."

SBP began deploying AmeriCorps members to Puerto Rico in October 2017, but recently started a long-term recovery operation with the goal of rebuilding and repairing 100 homes in the first year. Teams on the ground in July canvassed neighborhoods and prioritized homeowners based on needs – creating a working list of more than 30 clients near Universidad del Sagrado Corazón.

"The timing worked out perfectly," said SBP Executive Director of Puerto Rico Jordan Sanchez. "We've spent the last few weeks identifying clients and creating a scope of work for their houses. Now we can hit the ground running and start getting families back home. We deeply appreciate the generous and timely investment from Toyota's leadership in Puerto Rico."

The Toyota and AmeriCorps partnership with SBP began nearly 8 years ago in New Orleans. Toyota shared its patented Toyota Production System (TPS) approach to production, problem solving and efficiency, leading to a 50 percent reduction in home construction time, while AmeriCorps provided servicemembers to fill essential roles supporting construction, warehousing and client services operations. Toyota has donated 40 vehicles to help support SBP recovery operations around the country. 

SBP's recovery efforts are gaining momentum, but there's still a long road ahead.

"It's going to take a collective effort to make this recovery a reality here," said Sanchez. "We need more organizations interested in investing in home rebuilding, and we'll always need volunteers."

About SBP
SBP's mission is to shrink time between disaster and recovery. Founded in 2006 in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, SBP has rebuilt homes for more than 1,500 families with the help of 180,000 volunteers in 11 communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.

To learn more, visit www.SBPUSA.org and like/follow on Facebook & Twitter @SBPUSA 

SOURCE SBP

Related Links

http://www.sbpusa.org