It’s time to rebuild

Following the generosity and support of the American people, Team Rubicon has the opportunity to extend its capabilities and services into long-term recovery (LTR) for those affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria. Over a 24-month timeline, Team Rubicon will run a new long-term recovery program to rebuild 100 homes affected by Harvey in Houston, 30 homes affected by Irma in Florida and a roof building program in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria.

Piloting Our Recovery Model

The damage caused by Harvey was extensive and wide-reaching; estimates show more than 100,000 families were impacted by the hurricane. To that end, committing to rebuilding 100 homes may seem insignificant. Team Rubicon’s rebuilding efforts will focus on low to moderate-income families to make the greatest impact possible. Moreover it is important to note this is Team Rubicon’s first foray into long-term recovery, this effort, in partnership with SBP, will allow Team Rubicon and the Rebuild Fellows to carefully and quickly build and hone this new capability.

Proof in Results

Rebuild operations shifted from a pilot program to a full-fledged capability in mid-2018 after a successful launch in Houston. Collier County, FL is the next rebuild operation on the docket for Team Rubicon, with a commitment to rebuild 30 homes affected by Hurricane Irma.

How We’ll Get It Done

The pilot program in Houston will be led via a unique partnership with SBP, Cohorts 6 and 9 of the Clay Hunt Fellows Program, and Team Rubicon staff, contractors, and volunteers. SBP will identify worksites, the CHFP Cohort will manage construction, and Team Rubicon greyshirts will apply the elbow grease.

Puerto Rico Roof and Home Building

Team Rubicon is rebuilding in Puerto Rico with an approach to match the unique context of a post-Maria Puerto Rico. We hired local contractors to repair and replace roofs in some of the lowest income communities. We’ve also begun rebuilding homes in heavily-impacted communities in Puerto Rico.

By hiring local construction contractors, recovery is expedited for families, decreasing the amount of continual damage that occurs every time rainstorms pass through. Secondly, hiring local construction contractors through the generosity of our donors will not only address families’ recovery, but this approach will also put cash into Puerto Rico’s economy. Investing in the local economy is one of the points of consensus that emerged from the World Humanitarian Summit as a necessary shift in the broader humanitarian space.