As Sherry and I discussed on this week’s podcast, we’ve been deeply shaken by the devastation Hurricane Maria caused in Puerto Rico. It’s painful to watch this level of destruction anywhere, but it feels especially personal because we visited the island just a few months ago celebrating our ten-year anniversary, so seeing this beautiful place in crisis is heartbreaking.
The situation on the island is severe: widespread loss of electricity, limited access to clean water, scarce fuel, disrupted phone service, and shortages of food and supplies. A friend whose husband recently returned from Puerto Rico while working with FEMA described how difficult recovery will be, largely because restoring power is such a massive task. Hospitals can only run on generators for so long, and with fuel scarce, surgeries are being postponed and medicines are at risk when refrigeration fails. He estimated that children there might be out of school for many months. Those details are sobering and hard to fully comprehend.
We made an early donation to feel like we were taking action, but it still felt like so little. We decided to reach out to companies we’ve worked with—podcast sponsors, collaborators, and partners—to ask if they could join us in supporting relief efforts. Many organizations were already actively helping with other recent disasters, so we weren’t sure what to expect. Still, we felt compelled to try to rally more support.
We are humbled and incredibly grateful to share that together we’ve raised $12,000 so far. All funds were directed to relief through United for Puerto Rico, and we cannot overstate how thankful we are to the companies that responded immediately and generously. Their support will help provide emergency supplies, medical aid, and logistical assistance as the island begins the long work of recovery.
DAP Products | Shades of Light | The Annie Selke Co. | HANDy Paint | Sabrina Soto | Delta Faucet
Universal Furniture | Cardboard Safari | Grove Collaborative | West Elm | Wohven T-Shirt Subscription
Note: many businesses we contacted were already contributing through other channels; if a company isn’t listed here it doesn’t mean they aren’t helping.
If you’d like to help, you can donate directly to United for Puerto Rico. Even a small contribution from many people can add up quickly and make a tangible difference in providing food, water, medical care, and fuel for essential services. Donations support immediate relief and help communities begin the longer-term process of rebuilding infrastructure and restoring everyday life.
Why donations matter: when electricity and fuel are limited, hospitals struggle to keep patients safe, perishable medical supplies can spoil, and families face prolonged disruption to basic services. Supplies such as clean drinking water, batteries, fuel for generators, medical equipment, and food are urgently needed. Contributions directed through organized relief efforts help coordinate distribution to the communities and healthcare facilities most in need.
We know many readers want to do something meaningful but might be unsure where to start. Donating to an established relief fund is an effective way to make an immediate impact. Volunteering and spreading accurate information about trusted channels for assistance are other ways to help, when appropriate and safe to do so.
Thank you to everyone who has already given, shared resources, or reached out to offer support. Your care and generosity are powerful—especially when communities face such overwhelming challenges. Please consider donating if you can; together, small actions add up and help Puerto Rico recover.
Thanks, guys. <3