Rebuild Roofs & Train Carpenters in Puerto Rico

At 62, Jakeline (affectionately known as Yaki) was referred to PRoTechos by a local community group after her roof began leaking and mold spread across the wooden beams of her home in the Caimito community. But Yaki’s home was much more than just a shelter. A lifelong advocate for cultural preservation and social justice, she used her space to teach higuero crafting, tend to a flourishing garden, and care for her 77-year-old neighbor.

From the moment our team arrived, Yaki welcomed everyone with open arms and generous hospitality, offering fresh tea, fruit, and home-cooked meals daily. But she wasn’t content to simply watch her home be rebuilt. With curiosity and determination, Yaki immersed herself in the process, asking questions about carpentry and eventually requesting a harness so she could climb the roof and work alongside our crew.

Once the repairs were completed, Yaki’s involvement didn’t end. Inspired by PRoTechos’ mission and moved by a deep desire to give back, she joined our apprenticeship program. Today, she volunteers her time to help rebuild roofs for others in her community;  transforming her own experience of recovery into a catalyst for broader impact.

Yaki’s compassion, resilience, and drive reflect the core values of PRoTechos. Her journey reminds us that when we invest in people, we don’t just repair homes, we build stronger, more connected communities.

Thanks to the generosity of our GlobalGiving donors, PRoTechos was able to purchase essential materials, including new roofing panels and galvalume sheets, to complete Yaki’s repairs. The work was carried out in collaboration with apprentices from our Training Program, who gained valuable hands-on experience while helping ensure a safe and lasting roof for Yaki.

We are deeply grateful to our donor community. Your continued support enables us not only to provide safe housing, but also to train Puerto Rico’s future builders and community leaders.