By Adriana Torres | Communications Strategist
For more than two decades, Esther Colón Rodríguez has lived in the same home where she grew up—now as the full-time caregiver for her elderly mother. Together, they have faced years of difficulty trying to keep their home safe and livable despite repeated storm damage and limited resources.
The problems in the home began after Hurricane Georges in 1998, when the roof suffered major damage. Although the municipality attempted repairs, the work was incomplete: new zinc was placed over weakened, damp wood. The leaks never stopped, and the structure continued to deteriorate over the years.
After Hurricane María collapsed the roof again in 2017, Esther had no one to turn to. With her mother depending on her and her own health issues to manage, she gathered whatever zinc sheets she could find and covered the roof herself to keep the home livable. Years later, Hurricane Fiona brought water back into the house, worsening the fragile structure even more. To cope with the constant leaks, Esther created a system of tarps secured with ratchet straps—a temporary fix she had to rebuild every few months.
Despite everything, she never stopped trying. Working at a local hardware store gave her access to basic materials, and she used every resource she had to protect the home and her mother. By the time PRoTechos arrived, the roof structure was severely compromised—damaged wood, active leaks, and temporary tarps held down with straps were the only things keeping the rain out. The urgent need for a complete rebuild was clear.
Thanks to a collaboration between PRoTechos and Techos Pa’ Mi Gente, who contributed roofing materials and electrical work, we were able to rebuild the roof and strengthen the home. The project included demolition of the compromised roof, rehabilitation of moisture-damaged walls, reconstruction of the central beam and top plates, replacement of rafters and roof panels, and installation of a new, durable galvalume roof.
Construction took place from May 6 to July 15. Throughout the process, Esther stayed in the home to care for the space and her dog, while her mother temporarily stayed with neighbors. Even while working full-time, she remained engaged and supportive.
Today, for the first time in decades, Esther and her mother finally have a safe, dry, and stable home. No more leaks, no more tarps, and no more worry every time it rains. After years of temporary fixes and uncertainty, they now have the peace and security they have long deserved.
Esther’s story highlights the impact of strong community partnerships and the importance of supporting families who continue to live with the long-term effects of hurricanes.
Your support helps make homes safe again for families like Esther’s. Every contribution directly helps us rebuild roofs, restore stability, and bring peace of mind to caregivers, elders, and vulnerable households across Puerto Rico. Thank you for continuing to make this work possible.
By Emily Alfred | Project Manager
By Sebastian Castro | Communications Official - Protechos.org
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