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REBUILDING LIVES

Reconstructing the Dominican Republic after Hurricane Georges

Image of Daisy Cayetano, president of the Benedicto Women's AssociationGermania "Daisy" Cayetano del Rio lives with her husband, four children and three grandchildren ages 7, 4 and 3. After the hurricane, Daisy and her husband became community leaders among the 800 families that reside in Benedicto. Daisy is now the president of the Benedicto Women's Association, and her husband serves as president of the local agricultural cooperative. After the hurricane they fought for almost a year to get help. "We didn't believe it at first when NRECA told us they would come back with help from USAID. We thought it was another political promise. We were wrong. Your contribution has changed our lives. Thank you."

"Human lives were not lost in this area, but most of the houses were severely damaged. That day, I lost my roof and a few walls. I also lost my source of food. I lost 30 chickens, 10 piglets and 30 doves. I remember I was feeding the animals in the backyard, and the winds were very strong. I got scared and we all ran for cover to the health clinic next door. The next day we all went out and helped our neighbors clean and start repairing their homes. We all helped each other, and little by little we reconstructed our homes."

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