How Can I Help Hondurans Displaced This Holiday Season?

Help Honduras this Holiday Season

Surviving one national disaster and weather emergency would be memorable and life-changing, but surviving two powerful hurricanes only two weeks apart has been devastating for the people of Honduras. Hurricanes Eta and Iota blew into Honduras during the first weeks of November and swept away the lives and dreams of so many people already struggling to survive. Much of the area was already financially and emotionally ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the hurricanes came and stole what was left. At last count, the death toll was close to 100. The landfall of these powerful storms has impacted the region, which is home to more than 4 million people. Those who have been able to survive coronavirus and two significant level hurricanes are now left to pick up the pieces of their life. Honduras is already battling large scale economic issues, violent crime, and governmental instability. Analysts from nonprofits studying the outcomes of this unprecedented wave of tragedy in the region forecast a 10% rise in poverty for a nation where more than half of the residents already live without basic needs of survival.

An Aftermath of Unimaginable Loss and Destruction

Honduras faces many problems as it tries to find a way out of this terrible situation, and so many of its citizens are already amongst the poorest in the world, living on less than $2 dollars per day. In the United States, when storms ravage our cities and shores, we are accustomed to state and federal action teams with formulated plans coming to solve problems. Even with the coronavirus impacting the United States during hurricane season, residents of the affected states were met with resources and help to start rebuilding their life. For the vast majority of those impacted by Hurricanes Eta and Iota, no government help is on the way. A few days before the storm made landfall, the government of Honduras was pleading with residents to continue spending and preparing for tourists so the economy could bounce back from pandemic lockdowns and tourism losses.

Many residents weren’t warned of the magnitude and severity of the coming storms until it was too late. Residents in the area have needed emergency evacuations from rooftops and raging waters. For many in the area, it feels as if they have lived through a constant flow of problems and emergencies. Now, with the destruction caused by Eta and Iota, they are faced with the sanitation issues faced after a devastating storm. Large swarms of mosquitos are settling around large new bodies of water left by the storm, and broken sanitation systems and dead animals have left cities with significant issues that must be corrected soon. If these problems aren’t handled as quickly as possible, the area could be facing malaria and leptospirosis outbreaks to follow an already devastating hurricane season.

How NY Boiler & Air Conditioning Repair And Our Customers Can Help

Many of those who have survived are dealing with the emotional trauma of living through so much devastation and calamity. It’s hard to feel safe and to know that you will be okay if you can't rest. The important tools of self-care, like baths, food, and rest, are nowhere to be found as many are without electricity, clean water, or shelter. Being exposed to these conditions has left many more residents vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus, and many are becoming sick as they seek shelter and somewhere to rebuild their lives. As more relief tents are constructed and people are given essentials, there will be a near-constant battle for necessities.

If you are interested in helping the people of Honduras this holiday season, you can:

1. Donate new or lightly used shoes and clothing for men, women, or children.
2. Bring a toy or game as a gift we can send to Honduras.
3. Contact relief organizations and make a donation to help Hurricane Eta and Iota victims and their families.

While it may seem like the furthest thing from anyone’s mind, it’s still the holiday season. Children will want toys and families will miss the activities associated with the season. While the main concern for many in the area is still the pandemic, holiday gifts can go a long way to providing happiness and comfort. At NY Boiler & Air Conditioning Repair, Honduras is home to our extended family and many friends. We have been saddened to hear the stories of loss and deprivation coming from our loved ones. We know we can help, and we're sure there are many of you in the area looking for ways to give back this holiday season.

You can drop off your donations of games, toys, and clothing at NY Boiler & Air Conditioning Repair or call us at (516) 219-1952 with questions or for more information.